Football
ESPN staff 9y

Vicente del Bosque: Euro 2016 is likely to be my last tournament for Spain

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has admitted that he could step down from the national post after the 2016 European Championship in France.

Del Bosque, 63, has overseen the golden age of Spanish football, winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship to cement his name in the nation's history.

However, Spain's startling uncrowning at the 2014 World Cup and their 2-1 defeat to Slovakia on Thursday -- their first qualifying defeat in 36 matches dating back to 2006 -- has seen Del Bosque come under heavy criticism for the first time since taking over from Luis Aragones in 2008.

"I think Euro 2016 will be my last tournament as Spain boss," he Radio Nacional de Espana.

"We'll see what happens when we get to France. In theory, this is my last tournament."

Del Bosque is not the only La Roja figure coming under pressure as Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas lost his place to Manchester United's David De Gea for Sunday's 4-0 win over Luxembourg.

Casillas, 33, was lambasted by the Spanish press for his performances at the World Cup and against Slovakia, while his club form has also been the subject of some debate, with Costa Rica international Keylor Navas waiting in the wings.

There were suggestions that Casillas could follow in the footsteps of Xavi, David Villa and Xabi Alonso by announcing his international retirement -- but Del Bosque insists such reports are wide of the mark.

"I've read a story about Casillas wanting to retire from international duty but I don't know anything about it," he remarked.

"I don't think there's any truth to it. He has not told me anything."

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