Having arrived at UEFA Euro 2024 without being considered among the leading contenders, Spain transformed perceptions by lifting the trophy and have since emerged as one of the favourites for the World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It\u2019s true that teams didn\u2019t see us as one of the favourites for the EURO or as a side to be feared, but thanks to what we achieved in that competition and what we\u2019ve done since, I think people now see us as real trophy contenders,\" Merino said in an interview with FIFA.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Arsenal midfielder said Spain should embrace the expectations that now surround the team, while remaining grounded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Now that everyone sees us as being among the tournament favourites, we should draw confidence and energy from it and make sure we don\u2019t get complacent. If that\u2019s how everyone sees us, then it\u2019s because we\u2019ve earned it and we should believe in ourselves,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We shouldn\u2019t be overconfident or feel that we\u2019re automatically better than anyone else. Any side can beat you on their day, but it should fuel our self-belief. If we play our best football, we can beat anyone.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Merino also pointed to the balance within Luis de la Fuente\u2019s squad as a major reason behind Spain\u2019s confidence heading into the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We\u2019re very well prepared. We\u2019ve got that blend of youth, energy and desire to win trophies. Then there\u2019s the fact that we\u2019re European champions, and we\u2019ve brought in players who know the system and the coaching staff very well,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 30-year-old added that Spain\u2019s biggest strength lies not only in individual quality but also in the close-knit culture built within the squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We\u2019re very well prepared. We\u2019ve got that blend of youth, energy and desire to win trophies. Then there\u2019s the fact that we\u2019re European champions, and we\u2019ve brought in players who know the system and the coaching staff very well,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Spain begin their World Cup campaign carrying the weight of expectation, but Merino believes the squad has the quality, unity and mentality required to challenge for the biggest prize in international football.<\/p>\r\n\r\n