Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell urges England Under-21 team-mates to raise their game for European Championship clash against Spain

Europa League: Jack Rodwell, Everton v SK Sigma (PA)

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Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell has warned that he and his England Under-21 team-mates will have to raise their game in order to beat Spain and get the best possible start to their European Championship campaign.

Stuart Pearce’s side take on the Spaniards in Denmark on Sunday knowing a win will give them a great chance of making the knockout stage from a difficult group which also contains talented sides from the Czech Republic and the Ukraine.

A comfortable 2-0 victory over Norway on Sunday was the perfect way for England to prepare for the difficult matches to come, but Rodwell believes a greater level of performance will be required to ensure success against their next opponents.

“It’ll be a massive step up, no disrespect to Norway,” he told Sky Sports News. “Spain have qualified and have a really good squad.

“We’re going to have to step up our game against them.”

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere pulled out of the tournament squad fearing he would suffer burnout after a long campaign at club level, but Rodwell insists he and the rest of the group are raring to go.

“Personally I’m not too bad at all,” he added.

“I’ve not played too much this season so it’s good for me to get match fitness if anything.

“We’ve had a good training camp and we look fresh and feel fresh.”

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