Hitman Rodrigo: Lose and I’m the new Incredible Sulk

RODRIGO MORENO is hell-bent on inflicting more pain from Spain – or he’ll turn into the Incredible Sulk.

The Valencia hitman scored the winner against England in the Nations League victory at Wembley last month.

And Rodrigo (right) is desperate to go for Three Lions’ throats again in the 60,720-capacity Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville tomorrow night.

If not, the Brazil-born No.9 won’t be doing much talking, just like the last centre-forward to earn himself a sulky nickname – Nicolas Anelka.

Rodrigo said: “It’s unbearable when I lose. I try not to talk to many people. It’s true that people try and encourage me.Your girlfriend tries to make you feel good.

“But it’s impossible. I prefer to be on my own – sulking.”

Rodrigo and Co have thrived under new Spanish coach Luis Enrique after a woeful World Cup and at the home of Real Betis they are committed to carrying on his great work.

He added: “To come to the national team is always a source of pride. It’s a reward.

“And England? Well, we arrived feeling invigorated. We won in England for the first time in I don’t know how many years.

“When a new coach arrives, questions are always asked with regards to how he can get more out of the players. This happened even more this time around after what occurred at the World Cup.

“We have a different coach and some of the players have changed, but that’s football. How can you explain a team that can do well in the league and struggles in the Champions League, or vice versa? There isn’t an explanation or an answer. “It’s a mixture of factors and the group has adapted well to what the coach has asked. He knows how to convey his message in a short time.

“When putting this into practice things went well. It doesn’t always happen but things just went perfectly.” And the striker says he is desperate to be part of the national set-up for years to come. He said: “If I want to stay in the team I have to earn it. But I have always tried to make my own way and trust my own chances. I always look for goals and try to play as well as possible. “Reaching the national team and staying there is difficult for anyone, even those who have more than 100 caps. You must maintain a high level for a long time and have good luck with injures.”