England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole insists Stuart Pearce's youngsters are ready for the challenge of Spain in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship match in Gothenburg on 18 June. Spain's seniors have been hailed as one of the finest teams in the world after winning Euro 2008, while their Under-21s are one of the favourites here in Sweden. Pearce's side are looking to build on their narrow victory over Finland on Monday when they had Michael Mancienne sent off.

"Spain will be a completely different match," said Wigan Athletic youngster Cattermole. "We know they have certain strengths and we have to try and counter that.

"We have a lot of pace in our side and we have to use that to our advantage. Spain are on a high right now after winning the European Championships and we know what to expect.

"They are one of the best teams in the tournament, no doubt about it, but so are we. On the day it will be all about who wants it and who is prepared to give everything for the victory. We have to make sure that is us."

Nedum Onuoha could be fit to deputise for Mancienne at centre-back, while Micah Richards and James Milner are hopeful of their knocks clearing up. Victory against the Spanish will see England reach the semi-finals.

They are one of the best teams in the tournament, no doubt about it, but so are we.
England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole

"We are looking to win this tournament and I think the result has to be the important thing," Cattermole added.

"How many teams go down to ten men and still come out on top at any level? We have to take a bit of credit for that."

England could be facing Newcastle striker Xisco, whose future is up in the air following relegation from the Premier League.

"I have nothing to prove to people in Spain," said Xisco. "But I have to show Newcastle fans what I can do. It has been very hard for me. I never thought my first season in the Premier League would be anything like this."