World Cup Group E: Spain have the talent but inconsistent form a cause for concern

Spain’s squad possesses some of world football's most talented teenagers in Barcelona trio Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati. There are many other reasons for positivity but also some cause for concern for head coach Luis Enrique.

Starting with the positives, Luis Enrique led his side to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 last summer and there was plenty of character shown. Extra time was required against Croatia, while Switzerland were overcome on penalties before Italy outdid the Spaniards on penalties.

How Spain qualified - in pictures

HOW SPAIN QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group B) March 25, 2021. Spain 1 (Morata 33') Greece 1 (Baksetas pen 57'): A frustrating start to the campaign for Luis Enrique's side with Greece scoring from their only attempt on goal after substitute Inigo Martinez conceded a penalty for a rash tackle. Luis Enrique said: "I don't like the result and we weren't inspired either. But I did like our attitude and the tempo of play that the team tried to produce. Whenever we got near the Greek penalty area, however, we lacked sharpness and efficacy." AFP
March 28, 2021. Georgia 1 (Kvaratskhelia 44') Spain 2 (Torres 56', Olmo 90'+2'): An injury-time goal from striker Dani Olmo secured an unconvincing victory for Spain, who recovered after falling behind just before half-time. Luis Enrique said: "Georgia surprised me because of how well they did. But I think we deserved the win and even if we didn't deserve it, I really couldn't care right now." AFP
March 31, 2021. Spain 3 (Olmo 34', Torres 36', Moreno 75') Kosovo 1 (Halimi 70'): Two wins on the spin for a dominant Spain with Dani Olmo back among the goals and Manchester City's Ferran Torres also on target. Spain midfielder Koke said: "We produced a great game. We were decisive in finding the key goals today. We have to keep working, because there is a lot of room for improvement." AFP
September 2, 2021. Sweden 2 (Isak 5', Claesson 57') Spain 1 (Soler 4'): A remarkable 66-game run was over as Spain fell to their first World Cup qualifying defeat since losing to Denmark in 1993. Spain had won 52 World Cup qualifiers and drawn the other 14 since that loss. Spain defender Jordi Alba said: "We have no margin for error now. We need to improve things. There's still a lot to play for, difficult matches - and we need to win them.” AFP
September 5, 2021. Spain 4 (Gaya 14', Soler 25', Torres 41', Sarabia 63') Georgia 0: A return to winning ways for Spain who produced an entertaining performance in Badajoz. Torres, who impressied again in a central attacking role, said: "We came into this game following a defeat that hurt us a lot and we managed to bounce back. A result like this spurs us on and it was important to keep a clean sheet because goal difference could be key at the business end."
September 8, 2021. Kosovo 0 Spain 2 (Fornals 32', Torres 88'): Spain opened up a four-point lead at the top, having played two more than second-placed Sweden, with Torres back among the goals and West Ham United midfielder Pablo Fornals scoring on his full debut. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon said: "It was the most difficult match in the group. It is a team with a lot of personality that has deserved better luck in this qualifying phase." EPA
November 11, 2021. Greece 0 Spain 1 (Sarabia pen 26'): A scoreline that flattered the home side in Athens as Pablo Sarabia's first-half penalty sealed a win that left Spain needing a point from their final group game against Sweden to qualify. Luis Enrique said: "We are playing against a good side [in Sweden] that, in theory, is going to attack us more. We will not aim to draw, but to win. As we do always." AFP
November 14, 2021. Spain 1 (Morata 86') Sweden 0: Alvaro Morata's late goal secured Spain's spot in the Qatar finals and condemned Sweden to what would be a doomed bid to qualify via the play-offs. The Spaniards maintained their run of reaching every World Cup since 1974. Luis Enrique said: "I’ve felt much more pressure in this last few games than in the Euros or Nations League. It’s taken a 100 kilo rucksack off my back." Reuters

Despite topping their World Cup qualifying group, this is where some questions have arisen about how Spain will fare on the biggest stage.

They drew against Greece, required Dani Olmo’s 92nd-minute winner to beat Georgia, lost their first match against Sweden, then required a last-gasp Alvaro Morata winner to overcome Sweden to secure top spot.

Luis Enrique will be unwavering in his ways. His side will attempt to dominate possession, but they will need to make it count if they are to emulate the great teams that have come before them.