Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is confident that Spain can defend their World Cup crown in Brazil next summer.

The World and European champions head into next summer's tournament as one of the favourites, something which Ramos believes La Roja will relish.

"Spain will feel confident to defend the title. With the players that we have it will be easier, even as we know we cannot live on the past," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We live in an era of competition among very good players and that is why we must all compete to be on the final list and help the national team. What we achieved in South Africa was very difficult and much work remains ahead of us."

Spain will face Equatorial Guinea and South Africa in friendlies over the next week.