Preview: Sunday's U17 EURO quarter-finals

Spain v England (14.00CET/16.00 local, 8km Stadium)
• Spain's Santi Denia was impressed with the way England performed as they overcame Denmark 3-1 on Thursday. "They're a good team, very attacking and quick in transitions," he told UEFA.com. "Aside from the creative players, they don't allow you a lot of room."

This is a match rich in U17 history, Spain having edged out England in the 2007 final to win the first of their two titles. England prevailed in the nations' 2010 decider, 2-1 in Liechtenstein. "We're happy both federations are meeting once again," added Denia. "It's going to be a tight game and we'll have to work hard to reach the semi-finals."

• England coach Steve Cooper praised his side for the way they responded to their matchday one disappointment against Sweden, a 2-1 loss they followed up with victories over France (2-0) and Denmark in finishing as runners-up in Group C. "We showed against Denmark that we can play football, but since the Sweden defeat we've demonstrated our character and mentality," he said. "We were pleased with a lot of aspects of the Sweden game. We quickly got over it, we believe in the way we play and now we're looking forward to the quarter-finals."

England's Reiss Nelson has scored three goals in Baku©Sportsfile

Cooper was assistant to John Peacock when England triumphed on penalties against Spain in a FIFA U-17 World Cup play-off tie at this tournament 12 months ago. La Roja's 2016 crop topped Group D, beating Italy 4-2 in their final fixture. "As you would expect with Spanish teams, they have a clear identity and way of playing."

Sweden v Netherlands (18.00/20.00, 8km Stadium)
• Reaching the last eight has been a surprise for Sweden coach Magnus Wikman, who had described the Blågult as "massive underdogs" in a section containing Denmark, England and France. "I didn't expect [to win two games], but I knew we had a chance," he explained. "We had to be at our best to challenge those three teams and I knew we were good enough to do it once, twice and maybe even three times."

Of the Netherlands he added: "The Dutch are always a big football country at this age. It's a big moment for our development because we have never played against these type of teams in Sweden. Individually, one on one, they are maybe a little better than us, but if we do it together and control our emotions we'll have a chance."

• Kluivert Jr relishing career challenge

• Netherlands coach Kees van Wonderen has hinted at naming an unchanged side for the third successive match, in spite of substitutes Ferdi Kadioglu and Justin Kluivert setting up a goal each in the 2-0 win against Serbia that secured second place in Group D. "I'm picking the team I believe will get the best result and at the moment it's this XI," he said.

"It's close, though. Some of the players who came on helped us, such as Justin. Kadioglu is another good player. We can also make changes at the back. You need a good squad, but the XI that started are more experienced and know what is being asked of them at this level."

©AFFA