Cesar Azpilicueta’s return to the international fold in recent weeks has been unexpected but not entirely surprising to those who have followed the defender’s career closely. Dedicated and determined, he maintains a level of performance and consistency that simply cannot be ignored, particularly when the stakes start rising.

After two-and-a-half years away, Spain manager Luis Enrique recognised the importance of the Chelsea captain’s experience when he included him in his squad for the delayed European Championship finals.

He started the final group game against Slovakia, helping La Roja answer growing questions over their credentials at the tournament with a 5-0 thumping to set up a last-16 meeting with Croatia.

Enrique kept faith and Azpilicueta repaid it, offering energy and attacking intent from right-back, causing unexpected problems with his presence in the box. His header from close range after 57 minutes completed the Spanish comeback, a first international goal for the 31-year-old, although it was far from plain sailing from there.

Croatia rallied from 3-1 down and forced extra-time with two goals in the final five minutes. The Spaniards had to find a response again but did so, finally putting the contest to bed with a quickfire double.

‘Boy, we had to suffer,’ admitted Azpilicueta afterwards. ‘It’s been a few tournaments since we went through a knockout match but today we broke the ice against the World Cup runners-up.

‘It wasn’t great to concede twice late on in normal time but we were the better team in extra-time and we deserved to go through.’

Following a bright start from Spain, Croatia found themselves ahead in extraordinary circumstances when Barcelona midfielder Pedri fired a back pass to Unai Simon and the goalkeeper inexplicably let the ball bounce over his outstretched boot and into the back of the net.

Azpilicueta was the first to console the Athletic Bilbao stopper, a reassuring figure insistent that there was time to put things right.

‘He is human and we can all fail,’ he said. ‘He has taken it naturally and saved us in extra-time, as well as starting the move for our second goal.’

Having added a new medal to his collection following our Champions League triumph last month, Azpilicueta is now eyeing silverware success on the international stage for the first time.

‘We are very happy and now look to the next game,’ he added. ‘The important thing is to recover well but it is always easier to recover with a victory.’

Spain will take on Switzerland in Saint Petersburg on Friday evening as they look to reach the semi-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2012. Don’t bet against Azpi starting, and starring, once again.