Pablo Fornals has his sights set on international silverware as he prepares for the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League with Spain.
Luis Enrique's side take on Italy on Wednesday evening in a repeat of the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley in July. Spain lost that encounter after a penalty shoot-out and are looking to avenge the final-four defeat when they meet again in Milan. The winner of that clash will go on to face either France or Belgium in Sunday's final.
Fornals won his first Spanish cap in 2016 aged just 20 but then had to wait two and a half years before his next appearance in 2018, followed by another long spell in the international wilderness until his call-up last month.
Now for the first time, Fornals has made back-to-back Spain squads and after his strike against Kosovo in September he has his first goal in international football.
Fornals is delighted to be in the Spain set-up and has said it would not be possible were it not for the fine form of West Ham.
"I’m going with Spain but I’m going with Spain because of how West Ham are playing and how we are doing in the Premier League," he said.
"Pablo is going with Spain but is thankful of all the teammates and everyone.”
With international silverware on the line this week, Fornals is aware of the challenge he faces but is delighted to be part of the squad going for gold.
"Of course, it isn’t going to be easy," he added. "But the opportunity of making something great with our country is there, so I’m really proud for the call-up."
