Sunday 8 November 2015 17:35, UK
Manchester United and Spain midfielder Juan Mata believes England are one of the favourites to win the European Championships next summer.
The Three Lions face Spain on Friday as part of their preparations for next summer's tournament, and Spanish playmaker Mata, who is expected to play in the friendly in Alicante, says Roy Hodgson has a 'very good' squad at his disposal.
The United star said: "England, in my opinion, will be challenging for the title in France next summer.
"The way they played in the qualifiers and the players they have mean it is a very good test for us. England are a very good team. They had a great qualification with no mistakes - they won all their games - so it will be tough.
"And it is a special game for me personally because I am playing in England and I know all the lads.
"I'm already having banter with Wayne Rooney and Chris Smalling. They have told me they have analysed the Spain team, that they know how we play and how they can beat us."
The former Chelsea midfielder added that Spain, who won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, have a new wave of players that can help secure a hat-trick of titles.
"I think we can be a force at the Euros. It's a new generation with young players coming in, just like England.
"But I think we have the quality to be fighting for the trophy. We have lost a few important players but the quality and the passion is still there."
