Iker Casillas believes that England will be a very good team under Fabio Capello because the Italian has raised the level of the side. And he is sure the Three Lions will give Spain a stern test this week.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper worked under the demanding Italian at the Bernabeu and is aware of the level of commitment that he insists upon from the eleven that he chooses.
England take on the European champions in Sevilla on Wednesday and Casillas is expecting a difficult match that Capello will want to win.
"He is a different type of coach and demands the absolute maximum from his players," AS quote him as saying.
"I know that he brings a lot of character and discipline to the team. He is very passionate in every game and shows it.
"He makes sure that there is competition in the team and wants a lot from the players."
The last time Spain entertained England the encounter was marred by racist chanting following a problematic build-up, but Casillas does not foresee a repeat.
"The game in Madrid was spoiled by a group of people who do not represent the majority in Spain," he said. "We received a lot of criticism but it was unfair because Spain is not a racist country.
"I have had friends of many races who have played for Real Madrid and they have never had any problems. I am convinced the game in Seville will pass without any problems."
Casillas then added that he recognised both sides of the debate regarding Fernando Torres playing in the game and was not prepared to take sides.
"Each one has his own interests. Benitez will defend his club, like any other coach would. It is understandable that a coach is concerned about his players," he stated.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper worked under the demanding Italian at the Bernabeu and is aware of the level of commitment that he insists upon from the eleven that he chooses.
England take on the European champions in Sevilla on Wednesday and Casillas is expecting a difficult match that Capello will want to win.
"He is a different type of coach and demands the absolute maximum from his players," AS quote him as saying.
"I know that he brings a lot of character and discipline to the team. He is very passionate in every game and shows it.
"He makes sure that there is competition in the team and wants a lot from the players."
The last time Spain entertained England the encounter was marred by racist chanting following a problematic build-up, but Casillas does not foresee a repeat.
"The game in Madrid was spoiled by a group of people who do not represent the majority in Spain," he said. "We received a lot of criticism but it was unfair because Spain is not a racist country.
"I have had friends of many races who have played for Real Madrid and they have never had any problems. I am convinced the game in Seville will pass without any problems."
Casillas then added that he recognised both sides of the debate regarding Fernando Torres playing in the game and was not prepared to take sides.
"Each one has his own interests. Benitez will defend his club, like any other coach would. It is understandable that a coach is concerned about his players," he stated.