Sergio Ramos has urged Spain not to “live in the past” ahead of two crucial matches in their bid to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
Vicente Del Bosque’s men, the world and European champions, top Group I but only on goal difference from France who they meet in Paris next Tuesday.
Before then, they host Finland and Real Madrid defender Ramos, who will win his 100th cap should he feature in Gijon, has warned his team-mates they must focus on the present rather than previous successes.
He told AS: “This situation is real and it shows you cannot live in the past.
“It is nice to be champions but then you have to get back to winning and defending the title.
“Everyone expects us to win in Paris, but first is Finland.
“We must not prioritise Finland as they would make things hard in our fight to get to the World Cup.
“We must face the matches with humility because humility is what has made this squad great.”
Former Sevilla defender Ramos, 26, is set to become the youngest Spaniard to reach a century of caps for his country and it is an achievement of which he is rightly proud.
He added: “I feel great pride and responsibility as it is difficult to achieve at my age but I made my debut when I was very young and have had coaches who have trusted in me.
“It’s a record that I am proud of. I am 26 and am happy to have achieved so much so young.”