Declan Rice: Spain game will show where we are as a group

England midfielder Declan Rice believes the UEFA Nations League clash with Spain will "show where we are as a group".

England will be the guests of world champions Spain at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on Sunday and must win to finish top of Group A3.

It will be England's first match away to Spain since a 3-2 win in the Nations League in October 2018. England also won their only other competitive match away to Spain, 2-1 in a European Championship qualifier in May 1968.

Spain, however, have won seven of their last 10 matches against England, with one drawn and England winning the other two. Spain's last two victories were the 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final and the 3-2 in the Nations League match at Wembley in September.

Rice, who missed the first match in September through injury, is looking forward to facing the 2026 World Cup winners in Madrid.

"Every time we play for England, we're going to be questioned over the performances," said Rice.

"The other night [against Croatia] was an OK performance. We know we've got more gears to go through. And [against Spain] I think they're going to bring out the best in us."

"These are the games you want to play in, the best teams, the best players. We have players who thrive in those occasions. For sure, this is a game we need to perform in, play well in and it will show where we are as a group."

"It's a massive game. I don't think you can get much better than a Champions League final and a semi-final against Argentina, but when you're playing against the world champions in Spain, it's a great initiative to want to go out there and win and that's been the message all week. Beat Croatia. Come to Spain, put on a really good performance, win the game and try to top the group. It's one we'll be ready for."