There’s no pain in Spain

WITH his manager’s praise ringing in his ears, Eric Garcia considered the end to be more like a beginning.

Spain exited Euro 2020 to a standing ovation from anyone who enjoys attacking football and with much more fanfare than greeted their early offerings in this tournament.

Boss Luis Enrique was glowing over the effort from a team who came within an inch of making it to Sunday’s final, and his players believe that bodes well for their future.

“We have to think this can be the start of something great,” said defender

Garcia, above.

He is set to lead the defence for many years to come alongside Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte, who switched nationalities from France a month before the tournament began.

Laporte said: “There were many changes, many new faces but what we’ve done is spectacular.”

Spain are only a third of the way through their campaign to qualify for the 2022World Cup but already have their sights set on Qatar.

“We showed that this team is ready for theWorld Cup,” said Jordi Alba.