De la Fuente keeps Lamine Yamal’s Spain starting spot open for Czech clash
Luis de la Fuente has left every position open to rotation for Spain’s next Nations League match against the Czech Republic, with Lamine Yamal not guaranteed to start despite his decisive contribution to La Roja’s perfect opening.
Spain put recovery ahead of an unchanged XI
De la Fuente is managing his squad carefully after Ferran Torres was forced to withdraw through injury during a crowded international window. Spain have beaten England 3-2 away and Croatia 4-1, but the head coach has stressed that short recovery periods are the downside of the current format.
His priority is to select players in peak condition rather than push individuals through fatigue. That approach applies across the pitch, including goalkeeper, where managers are often least inclined to make changes.
De la Fuente said Spain would choose the side best suited to the Czech Republic, with his final selection due to be settled after further consideration. He made clear that changes can happen in any role.
Yamal’s role will be decided by the match plan
Yamal has been central to Spain’s two victories. The Barcelona winger scored against England, then delivered two goals and an assist in the win over Croatia.
Even so, De la Fuente refused to promise the teenager another start. He believes Yamal can alter a game whether he is involved from kick-off or introduced during the first hour, with the deciding factor being what the team needs.
The Spain coach praised Yamal’s increasing maturity, highlighting his ability to read situations both during games and away from the action.
Group position offers no room for complacency
| Team | Points |
|---|---|
| Spain | 6 |
| England | 3 |
| Croatia | 3 |
| Czech Republic | 0 |
Spain lead the group on six points, but De la Fuente has warned his players against treating the Czech Republic as straightforward opponents. He expects a demanding contest and believes Spain must improve on their Croatia display to win again.
- Spain opened the window with a 3-2 victory away to England.
- La Roja followed that result by beating Croatia 4-1.
- Ferran Torres then left the squad because of injury.
- Spain now face the Czech Republic before travelling to Croatia on October 6.
Familiar coaches will not decide the contest
The Czech Republic’s staff includes Santi Denia and Pablo Amo, two coaches with close knowledge of Spain’s national-team environment and De la Fuente’s methods.
De la Fuente acknowledged the shared background but insisted familiarity between the benches will not settle the match. In his view, it is the footballers who change games and provide the decisive spark. He also joked that he had not revealed everything he knows.
- Spain have taken maximum points from their first two group matches.
- Yamal is in outstanding form, but could be used from the bench.
- De la Fuente is prepared to rotate throughout the team, including in goal.
- The next test is the Czech Republic, followed by an October 6 trip to Croatia.
