'We're ready to win' - Tuchel backs England to end Spain's 43-game unbeaten run

The England manager sees the Nations League clash as an opportunity to measure his team's progress against the world and European champions.

Although victory would primarily offer England the chance of a more favourable draw in the Nations League quarter-finals in March, Tuchel believes the occasion represents an important test of his players' development. Spain have built a reputation for being difficult to beat, but the German is confident his side are ready for the challenge.

"Spain are a team that have forgotten how to lose, so of course it requires a top performance first of all. If we can deliver this performance, it will give us a big boost," Tuchel said after England's 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley.

"I think we're there, and I think we're ready to win on Sunday. I know what it takes, and no one can ever guarantee it, but I think it's the moment to check how far we are and to push our limit and proof of concept," he added.

England will also be looking to avenge their 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley in September. Tuchel believes his players must approach the return fixture with the same attacking mentality, while using their physical strength to put the hosts under pressure.

"It's important that we play with the same mindset that we played at home, and attack them and try to make it a physical game, and try to impose our strength," he said.

The match also comes against the background of previous incidents of racist abuse directed at England players in Spain. Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips were targeted during a friendly in Madrid in 2004, while Spain were ordered to play their next home friendly at reduced capacity after discriminatory chanting about Muslims during their match against Egypt in March.

Tuchel made England's position on racism clear, insisting his players would not tolerate discrimination but would remain focused on the football. "We will never accept racism. We will never be racist towards anyone," he said, adding that officials were aware of the situation and that the appropriate protocol was in place. "We will give our answers if stuff like this happens. Best answers are on the pitch."