MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Spain coach Luis Aragones admits Wednesday´s friendly with England at Old Trafford is a game his side need to win as he comes under increasing pressure to save his job.

Aragones is feeling the strain due to some poor results from Spain in recent months, including successive defeats to Sweden and minnows Northern Ireland in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Aragones, who took over the national team in 2004 and has presided over 32 matches, has struggled to repair his reputation following last summer´s World Cup in Germany, when his side were knocked out by eventual finalists France in the second round.

To make matters worse, he has been forced to defend himself against strong allegations of racism directed towards Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

He admits this encounter with England followed by two qualifiers in March could decide his future as national coach, but he is determined to become a success.

So much so that he has been holding private counselling sessions with his squad in an attempt to improve confidence and morale.

Aragones said: "This is certainly a dry run and chance to have a good work out before the two big qualifying games in March.

"But it is also a very important game in itself for both teams. It´s important to win any game you set out to play and I don´t consider any match to be a ´friendly´.

"England are a big side on the international scene and it´s vital we get the best result possible.

"Spain have been down since the Ireland defeat and a positive result will go hand in hand with helping our image.

"I´m aware that the next few games might be my last chance, this might be possible, but all I can afford to think about is the next match.

"National managers always find their jobs under pressure if results don´t go well. But there is no point in worrying about it, you just have to focus on getting a good result the next time."

Spain have scored just one goal in their last three outings and Aragones added: "This is something that concerns me.

"Goals are the beautiful thing that make the game of football. I´m worried, but if you look further back our average was around 2.8 goals per game and this is something that can happen again."

If Aragones was hoping to get the backing of his players then he will have been disappointed to hear that experienced goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes the team have gone backwards in recent years.

The Real Madrid star said: "Luis is a very hard working person who has been giving all of his effort for his job.

"But people have been expecting more from the team at the World Cup and European Championship qualifying games so far.

"We´ve taken a backward step, but what we have to do is become a united team, to become a better national team and we hope we can do this.

"I think we are all aware of what has been said (about Aragones) in the press and it can have an affect. But we have to be professional for the Spanish Football Association and manager so we can do our upmost to help them.

"We are in a difficult situation at the moment with the group and have to work hard so we can get some confidence back in the side. We all need to stick together for the good of the team."