'WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN'

De la Fuente says new generation can improve further, win Spain more trophies

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Spain played a perfect European Championship by winning all seven games en route to lifting the trophy on July 14, but the players can get even better, said victorious coach Luis de la Fuente.

"It's difficult to improve something like that, but I would like my players to keep growing and improving," the 63-year-old coach said after leading Spain to a record fourth European Championship title with a 2-1 victory over England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.

"They are tireless, they will keep improving and trying to win. They all need to feel proud... I hope everyone feels exactly as proud about this generation of players who can make history and have a long future ahead of them."

Spain's bright future was illustrated perfectly by the young duo who made their first goal in the final, Lamine Yamal, 17, crossing for the 22-year-old Nico Williams to fire home in the 47th minute.

"Lamine is incredible, no? He won Young Player of the Tournament, he's showing it day to day. I don't think he's got a ceiling," said Williams, himself named Player of the Match in the final. "He's a very good person too."