Alonso wants to take on England in final

Liverpool and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso wants to meet England in the World Cup final this summer.

Alonso is set to play against Russia in Saturday’s friendly in Albacete as he bids to earn a starting role for the finals in Germany.

“I wouldn’t mind a final against them considering I play in the Premiership,” he said. “Like us, they believe this could be their year.”

“We have many good players in midfield and it’s going to be difficult to earn a starting place.”

“I have to be prepared, although I do believe that competition, in every sense, is good for the team.”