Juan Mata predicts England will be among 'main rivals' to win Euro 2016

Manchester United midfielder congratulates his club team-mate Wayne Rooney

Juan Mata says he expects England to be one of Spain's main rivals at Euro 2016.

England became the first team to qualify for next summer's tournament in France when they maintained their 100 per cent record in Group E with victory over San Marino on Saturday.

They will in all likelihood be joined at Euro 2016 by Spain who top qualification Group C.

Writing for Kicca, Mata said: "I would like to congratulate England for becoming the first team already qualified for the Euro 2016. They have good players in every line and I'm sure they're going to be one of the main rivals in France."

Mata also extended congratulations to his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney, who drew level with Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goal record for the Three Lions with his penalty against San Marino.

"Special congrats to my team-mate Wayne Rooney for equalling Sir Bobby Charlton as England's leading all-time goalscorer. Wayne is one of the best players I've ever had as a team-mate, and I'm sure he's going to set a record very difficult to beat in the future."