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.
Liam Apicella
