England boss Thomas Tuchel angry at being dragged into race row after being told by Luis de la Fuente: 'There is no racism in Spain!' on eve of Nations League showdown

Thomas Tuchel was dragged into a bitter race row on the eve of England's Nations League showdown with Spain.

Tuchel had been asked before England's departure for Spain about England's protocols in case their players suffered racist abuse at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday evening.

England players were notoriously subject to racial abuse at the Bernabeu in 2004 and England have not played in Madrid since.

But Spain manager Luis de la Fuente reacted angrily when he was told that Tuchel had addressed the subject.

'Tell Tuchel that there is no racism in Spain,' de la Fuente said. 'Just like in England. We are not racist.'

The row then deepened when a Spanish journalist told Tuchel about De La Fuente's reaction and the England coach grew exasperated with the line of questioning.

Tuchel had been asked before England's departure for Spain about England's protocols

'I was polite enough to answer a question from your colleagues,' Tuchel said, 'and you run and ask Spain's coach and tell them that I talked about racism in Spain.

'I never talked about racism in Spain. I answered a question politely. I never expect racism. The dressing room is the most anti-racist place in the world. This is a perfect example of how you create confusion out of nothing.'

Tuchel had earlier said: 'It's important that the players know about the protocol. And then, yeah, we will give our answers if stuff like this happens. Best answers are on the pitch.

'We had a same discussion before the Serbia game [in Belgrade in September 2025]. There is a protocol in place.'

England midfielder Declan Rice said that Tuchel had not yet addressed the group about racism protocols but that they were clear about what they would do if any England players were abused.

England's game against Bulgaria in Sofia in 2019 was halted after allegations of racism against England players but the game was completed.