Alvaro Negredo: 'I'd rather play England'

Spain striker Alvaro Negredo has conceded that he would rather his side was facing England in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

A 1-0 win over co-hosts Ukraine yesterday evening meant that England, like Spain, went through to the final eight of the competition as group winners.

As a result the two nations have been kept apart, with England due to face Italy on Sunday evening, while defending champions Spain play France a day earlier.

Although England finished above France in Group D, Negredo believes that his side's opponents pose a greater threat than the Three Lions.

"To be champions you have to play against the biggest teams," he told Europa Press. "France are a big team. They have a lot of talent. For me they are stronger than England, but that's a personal opinion.

"Even though England have Rooney back, if I had to choose I would prefer to play against the English."

Negredo is yet to make a starting appearance at the tournament.