Spain manager Julen Lopetegui praises character after fightback

Image: Spain manager Julen Lopetegui says his side showed great character to fight back

Spain manager Julen Lopetegui says his side showed great character to fight back from two goals down to save a draw against England.

With England 2-0 up going into the final minute, Iago Aspas and then Isco scored at the death to grab an unlikely draw.

Lopetegui, who is unbeaten as Spain manager so far, praised his side's mentality in coming back from what looked like certain defeat.

Image: Isco celebrates with team mates as he scores their second and equalising goal

"In the first half England were better than us. They started really sharply," said Lopetegui.

"Things got even tougher in the second half, but that's when we showed our character and never-say-die spirit.

Advertisement

"To pull a draw out of the fire with two goals at the end was great. It showed we never give up.

"It was an ugly game, a tough game. But we reacted well."

Image: England looked downbeat at the end of the game

Lopetegui had praise for opposite number Gareth Southgate after the game and insisted England's interim manager put up a good tactical show against his side.

"You can see in his team, he has quality and good mentality, good tactically. I hope the best for him and the English team. They gave a good match.

"The main thing is we showed character to come back at difficult place. Our personality shone through. Overall I'm happy, I can take what we learnt tonight into competitive games."

Outbrain