Rafa Benitez sees English youth finally catching Spain at Under 17 World Cup: 'Hopefully we can play all the finals'

  • Rafa Benitez admits is has been easier for Spanish youngsters to flourish
  • Youngsters in Benitez's homeland get more opportunities to play in big games
  • However he believes English players are reaping the rewards of good facilities 

Rafa Benitez will be watching the Under-17 World Cup final between England and Spain and believes his adopted homeland is ready to compete consistently on the international stage.

The Newcastle boss admits is has been easier for Spanish youngsters to flourish given the increased exposure they enjoy in La Liga.

But Benitez says English players have an advantage given what he believes are the best training facilities in Europe, and only now are the national teams seeing the reward.

Rafa Benitez will be watching the Under-17 World Cup final between England and Spain

Rafa Benitez will be watching the Under-17 World Cup final between England and Spain

'You have the facilities here, you always have had them. Even at Real Madrid we could only use the grass one day a week,' he said.


'But you were not competing for many reasons. It's harder for English players to play because there is so much money in the Premier League and you are attracting many foreign players.

'In Spain, many teams don't have that much money and they play young players. And, because they have talent, they end up playing more minutes.

'But you have quality here and are physically able to compete and contest finals. You can see that English players are growing and improving.

Rhian Brewsters goals helped England ease past a stunned Brazil in the World Cup semi final

Rhian Brewsters goals helped England ease past a stunned Brazil in the World Cup semi final

'Hopefully you can stay at this level - and play Spain in all of the finals!'

Meanwhile, Benitez has distanced himself from reports suggesting he could be on Everton's shortlist to replace Ronald Koeman.

'I read in the press and heard people talking, but I am happy here,' he said.

'I am concentrating on this. The reality, obviously, is that my family is in Liverpool, but my past was with Liverpool (football club).

'Everton is a great club. I'm not saying I'm interested, I'm saying I'm happy here and want to concentrate on Newcastle and try to do my best here.'