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Perez Excited By Spain's England Clash
Written by Newcastle Utd
Spanish striker Ayoze Perez told nufc.co.uk he is looking forward to his nation's friendly against England
England's friendly fixture in Spain on Friday will hold extra significance for Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez as he watches his homeland take on the Three Lions for the first time since he arrived on Tyneside last summer.
Perez, who joined the Magpies from his native Tenerife, will watch on as his countrymen test themselves against Roy Hodgson's side in Alicante, in preparation for next summer's European Championships, in France.
The game comes almost four years to the day since the sides last met, when a Frank Lampard goal gave England a 1-0 victory at Wembley.
And with both countries recently enjoying strong UEFA Euro 2016 qualification campaigns - topping their respective groups - Perez has hailed the fixture a "special" game between two of the tournament's favourites.
"It's special," the forward told nufc.co.uk. "There are many quality players on both teams. It's going to be a really good game.
"The perception I think in Spain is we see better quality from England now. They have better quality players than before.
"They have top players who can make a difference. But we have them too so it is going to be interesting."
The 22 year-old, who has been capped at under-21 level, has been tipped for a breakthrough into Vicente del Bosque's senior side after impressing for United in the Premier League.
And he admits it would be a dream come true with the European Championships just seven months away.
"It's good to see the squad and the many options available as we get ready for the Euros," he added.
"Some pieces are changing in the Spain team and there are young players coming with a lot of quality. It's a dream for me. It's something that I would like to get.
"I'm on the way I think but I have to keep working like I'm doing and scoring goals is the key.
"Hopefully one day I can say I have made my debut with Spain."