Spain return to their strongest shape under the lights in Croatia on Tuesday, with Pau Cubarsí and Marc Cucurella restored to the starting side for the fourth round of Nations League group fixtures.
De la Fuente brings back his regulars
After making extensive changes for Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has recalled his senior figures for the 20:45 kick-off in Croatia.
- Barcelona defender Cubarsí comes back into the team and will partner Aymeric Laporte at centre-back.
- Cucurella also returns after being rested against the Czechs.
- Laporte had been given a break for the first meeting with Croatia, which Spain won 4-1.
- Mikel Oyarzabal is restored in attack after Roberto Fernández made his senior Spain debut in Oviedo on Saturday.
Pedri and Rodri continue in midfield
Rodri and Pedri retain their places in midfield, with Pedri keeping his run in the side after an impressive display against the Czech Republic.
Fabian Ruiz is unavailable after leaving the squad during the weekend to be present for the birth of his first child in Paris. The midfielder’s absence opens further space for Pedri in a Spain team otherwise close to its current preferred line-up.
Yamal carries the workload
Lamine Yamal starts again and becomes the only Spain player to begin all four matches in this international window. The teenager was withdrawn at half-time against the Czech Republic, but is selected again for the trip to Croatia.
- Even goalkeeper Unai Simón was among those left on the bench on Saturday.
- Ferran Torres, who started Spain’s opening match in England, is unavailable because of an ankle problem.
- Yamal joins Barcelona team-mates Cubarsí, Pedri and Rodri in the starting XI.
Spain’s champions now face Croatia with the rotation finished, their key players returned, and little room left for another experimental evening.
