Rice: Spain test will show where England are as a group

Declan Rice believes England's Nations League clash with Spain will "show where we are as a group".

The Three Lions take on the world champions at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, needing a win to top Group A3.

This is England's first away game against Spain since a 3-2 win in the Nations League back in October 2018.

England have won their only other competitive away game against La Roja, beating them 2-1 in a European Championship qualifier in May 1968.

However, Spain have won seven of their last 10 matches against England (D1 L2), including the most recent two: 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final and 3-2 in the Nations League at Wembley in September.

Rice missed the reverse fixture in September with injury, but is relishing the chance to face the 2026 World Cup winners in Madrid.

"Every time we play for England, we're going to be questioned over the performances," said Rice.

"The other night [against Croatia] was an OK performance. We know we've got more gears to go through. And [against Spain] I think they're going to bring out the best in us.

"These are the games you want to play in, the best teams, the best players. We have players who thrive in those occasions. 

"For sure, this is a game we need to perform in, play well in and it will show where we are as a group.

"It's a massive game. I don't think you can get much better than a Champions League final and a semi-final against Argentina, but when you're playing against the world champions in Spain, it's a great initiative to want to go out there and win and that's been the message all week.

"Beat Croatia. Come to Spain, put on a really good performance, win the game and try to top the group. It's one we'll be ready for."