Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata has praised teammate Ander Herrera’s quality on and off the ball ahead of Spain’s international friendly against England at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.

Mata hopes to earn his 41st cap for Spain, while Herrera still has to debut after getting his first senior call-up last month.

The 28-year-old Mata believes the passion and quality Herrera shows will be a good asset to have when they take on the Three Lions.

‘Ander’s been in excellent form and I’m happy for him,’ Mata told the Manchester United website.

‘He always shows the same passion and he has this good character on and off the field. He has great quality that he can bring to the side, with and without the ball, and he can score goals, which is very good for the team.’

Spain against England kicks off at 10:00.