Spain name strong side to target Nations League quarter-final place against Croatia

Spain will seek the win they need to reach the Nations League quarter-finals when they face Croatia in the fourth round of the group stage on Tuesday evening.

Luis de la Fuente has restored most of his regular starters after making several changes for the previous match against Czech Republic. Unai Simon returns in goal, while Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Oyarzabal are also back in the starting XI.

Marc Pubill starts at right-back, having previously been selected against England and Croatia in the first meeting between the teams. Aymeric Laporte completes the defence.

Spain lead the group with nine points from three victories. England are second on six points, Croatia have three and Czech Republic are bottom without a point.

A victory would secure Spain’s progress to the last eight of the competition, while Croatia need to beat the world champions to revive their hopes of advancing.

Spain’s starting line-up is: Unai Simon; Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Bryan Gil; Mikel Oyarzabal.

The Spanish Football Federation posted: “With this starting XI, we will seek qualification for the quarter-finals.”

Modric starts for Croatia

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has named Luka Modric in midfield for the match, with the experienced captain joined by Mateo Kovacic and Nikola Vlasic.

Dominik Livakovic starts in goal, with Josip Stanisic, Josko Gvardiol, Marin Vuskovic and Josip Sutalo forming the defensive line.

Ivan Perisic and Kristijan Jakic are also selected, while Igor Matanovic leads the Croatian attack.

Croatia’s starting line-up is: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josko Gvardiol, Marin Vuskovic, Josip Sutalo; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic; Ivan Perisic, Kristijan Jakic, Igor Matanovic.