Spain name three newcomers for decisive Nations League fixtures

Luis de la Fuente has selected three uncapped players in Spain’s squad for their final UEFA Nations League group-stage matches against the Czech Republic and England.

Como defender Jacobo Ramon receives his first senior international call-up after impressing during his debut season under Cesc Fabregas. The former Spain Under-21 international is joined by Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles and Real Betis midfielder Marc Roca.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios and Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea have also been recalled. Their inclusion comes as Spain deal with injuries to Eric Garcia, Rodri and Dani Olmo, while Roberto Fernandez keeps his place among the forwards.

Spain will visit Prague to play the Czech Republic on Thursday, 12 November, before welcoming England to Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, 15 November.

De la Fuente opened his squad announcement by paying tribute to the victims of the Ordax train accident and to the late Jesus de Miguel.

Spain have already guaranteed their place in the Nations League quarter-finals after winning all four of their group matches and taking 12 points.

Their remaining objective is to finish top of the group, which would give them home advantage in the second leg of the quarter-finals. The group winners will play the opening leg away before returning to Spain for the decisive match.

England are second with nine points. They play Croatia at Wembley before travelling to Madrid, and victory over Croatia would create the possibility of a match against Spain deciding first place.

Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia, Alvaro Valles.

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Jacobo Ramon, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo.

Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi, Pablo Barrios, Fabian Ruiz, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Alex Baena, Fermin Lopez, Marc Roca.

Forwards: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernandez, Lamine Yamal, Ander Barrenetxea.