"We'll be ready" - Pedro Porro previews World Cup semi-final against France

In his first taste of a major international tournament, the full-back has played every minute of the knockout stages so far and even opened his account for his nation in the 3-0 win over Austria in the Round of 32.

An unused substitute in two of the three group games - playing the entirety of their 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second outing - Pedro has seemingly made the right full-back slot his own to help Luis de la Fuente's side progress to the last four by seeing off Portugal (1-0) and Belgium (2-1).

Spain's run to the semi-finals has been built largely on a solid defence - conceding for the first time in that quarter-final success and only facing seven shots on target in the six matches played so far at the finals - and now take on a potent France outfit featuring some of the best attackers in world football.

Pedro - who provided an assist the last time these two met in Spain's 5-4 win in the UEFA Nations League semi-final last year - views the opportunity as an added incentive to overcome their European opponent and is ready for the battle to reach the final.

"Playing a World Cup semi-final is always special, no matter the opponent, but France is one of the strongest teams in this World Cup, and that gives us even more motivation," he said, speaking to members of the international media ahead of tonight's semi-final at Dallas Stadium (kick-off 8pm UK).

"Always staying united. We’ve been working together for a long time, we’ve played a lot of matches, and we know each other better and better. We approach every game as if it were a final. That’s our mentality.

"At this level there are no favourites. These are two great teams. It will be a fantastic, hard-fought semi-final, and of course we hope it goes our way."

Earning his first cap against Georgia in March, 2021, the 26-year-old hadn't represented Spain for two years until his next appearance came as a Spurs player in 2023 and has since become a national team regular with a further 21 caps to his name.

The robust full-back has impressed in our colours and been a consistent performer across his three-and-a-half years, adding 47 appearances in all competitions last term to take his overall tally to 152 since his move from Sporting Lisbon in January, 2023.

Committing his future to the club after signing a new contract ahead of this summer's World Cup, Pedro has wracked up a lot of game time during his time in England and believes that added experience has helped prepare him for huge nights like the one he faces tonight.

"I’d say I have a lot more experience now," he explained. "In a year, you play about fifty more matches, and that helps you grow. Every game gives you something different. More than feeling ready, I feel much more experienced.

"Every match requires different qualities: sometimes you need to attack more, other times you have to defend with more focus. Against Belgium, for example, I had the chance to push forward for the first goal, overlapping with Lamine (Yamal), but for the rest of the game, my main job was to limit (Jeremy) Doku. Everything depends on the opponent’s characteristics.

"I’m very happy. 40 days ago, I was celebrating with my wife and kids, and now I find myself living all of this. I don’t read what’s being said outside: I just focus on giving my best. I’m sure my family is proud of me."