Joe Hart today warned his England team-mates to avoid paying Spain too much respect as they prepare for Saturday's friendly against the world and European champions at Wembley.
England will be missing some key players - Wayne Rooney and, possibly, captain John Terry - and there is a fear that Fabio Capello's team might be taught a lesson. But goalkeeper Hart came out fighting today by insisting that England had enough quality to cause Vicente del Bosque's side problems.
"They're not light years ahead of us," said Hart. "We can't be in awe of them. They've got some fantastic players but so have we, so it makes for a really interesting encounter.
"If we think we're going to get a hiding, there is no point turning up. It will be tough, but it will be tough for Spain, and they'll appreciate that. This is a test against the best."
Terry has been included in the squad despite the ongoing investigation into the allegations he directed a racist remark towards Anton Ferdinand.
But Manchester United defender Phil Jones insisted Terry's presence had created no divisions within the squad. He said: "Everything's as normal. He is a great leader and a great captain, as well as a great player."
