Spain leave out four players for decisive Nations League meeting with England

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has finalised his squad for Sunday evening’s Nations League Group A match against England at the Metropolitano in Madrid.

The Spain boss has recalled several key players who missed the 2-0 victory over Czechia, leading him to leave out four members of the squad. Alejandro Grimaldo is also unavailable after leaving the camp with influenza, according to Spanish outlet COPE.

The four players omitted from the matchday squad are Rayo Vallecano forward Jorge de Frutos, Espanyol player Roberto Fernandez, Como defender Jacobo Ramon and Real Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles.

De la Fuente has opted for more experienced options for a match that will decide the outcome of Group C in League A.

Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal have both returned to the squad, giving Spain additional attacking options. Yamal did not travel to Prague while recovering from a knee injury, while Oyarzabal remained in San Sebastian for the birth of his second child.

Both players joined up with the national team in Madrid before the England game and are available for selection.

Spain have also regained the services of Nico Williams and Aymeric Laporte, who were absent for the victory over Czechia. Laporte’s return to defence has resulted in Ramon missing out, having been one of the new faces in Spain’s squad during the current international window.

Valles has instead reverted to his role as fourth-choice goalkeeper and will not be involved against England. He was also left out of the squad for the match against Czechia.

De Frutos and Roberto Fernandez have both lost their places following the return of Spain’s first-choice attacking players.

Yamal will wear the number 10 shirt, which Victor Munoz wore against Czechia, while Oyarzabal has reclaimed number 21.

The match has major significance at the top of the group. Spain lead with 15 points, three ahead of second-placed England, meaning a draw would be enough for the hosts to finish first.

England must win to draw level with Spain on points. If the teams finish level, goal difference in matches between the sides and other deciding criteria will come into play.

Spain beat Czechia 2-0 in the fifth round of group matches, while England defeated Croatia 2-1.

The reverse fixture at Wembley in London ended in a thrilling 3-2 victory for Spain, with the visitors coming out on top after a match that changed direction several times.