Vicente del Bosque has urged the Spanish national squad to continue improving following another successful year.

Spain retained the European Championship in the summer but Del Bosque believes that it will take a big effort from the squad if they are to continue dominating on the international stage.

"It has been a good year for the national team," he told AS. "Winning the Euros, the second consecutive one after winning it with Luis in 2008, was the challenge and we have achieved it.

"But we must not wallow in what we have done in the past if we want to maintain this level in the future.

"Personally I am proud that this title was a joy for the country in a difficult moment, although I said at the time that it is not going to fix the problems in Spain."

Spain will now turn their attentions to qualifying for the World Cup while also attempting to lift the Confederations Cup in 2013.