Costa feeling settled within Spain ahead World Cup qualifier

Diego Costa finally feels that he has adapted to Spain’s playing style after a troublesome start to his international career with his adopted country.

The Chelsea striker has struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage since switching allegiances from Brazil in 2014, Costa only scoring four goals in 14 appearances.

Costa was part of Vicente Del Bosque’s squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but he failed to make an impact as champions Spain crashed out in the group stages.

He scored his first international goal against Luxembourg in October of that year but was then overlooked until September 2015 as Spain opted for the likes of Alvaro Morata, Nolito and Aritz Aduriz to lead the line.

As a result Costa was not selected for Euro 2016 but he was recalled at the start of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup and he has rewarded Julen Lopetegui’s faith with three goals in as many matches.

Spain face a qualifier with Israel and a friendly with France over the next seven days and Costa is feeling ready to start making a big contribution.