Zubimendi highlights set-piece concern as Spain turn focus to England

Spain maintained their perfect record in the Nations League with victory in Prague, with Martin Zubimendi saying set pieces are the main area the world champions must improve before facing England.

Zubimendi started in place of the injured Rodri and played a central role in midfield as Spain extended their winning run and strengthened their position at the top of the group.

The Real Sociedad midfielder also wore a face mask during the match, but said it had become less difficult to manage.

“We knew we had to play a very important match and that it had to be a serious one,” Zubimendi told Spanish newspaper Sport. “They had chances, but we turned the result in our favour.”

The game presented a particular challenge for Zubimendi, who has been adapting to playing with the protective mask.

“It went better than I expected,” he said. “I’m starting to get used to it, getting minutes and adapting to the situation. It isn’t always easy when you join the national team and play only a few minutes before facing a strong opponent such as the Czech Republic.”

Set pieces were a significant threat for the Czech side, an issue Spain had identified before kick-off. Zubimendi said the team’s performance in that area would be a key focus in training.

“We had just been talking about it,” he said. “If there is one thing we need to improve from this match, it is set pieces. That is what we need to work on.”

Alex Baena, of Atletico de Madrid, also enjoyed a notable evening after scoring Spain’s opening goal. The midfielder has continued to make an impression when representing his country and again justified Luis de la Fuente’s faith in him.

“We controlled the match very well,” Baena said. “At certain moments, we had many chances to score from set pieces and we were capable of adding a second goal.”

He added: “We were calm on the pitch and controlled the game. There was some hesitation because of their chances from set pieces, but we played well and we are happy with the victory.”

Baena was surprised to discover that he would take the penalty.

“When I saw the penalty taker, I was surprised,” he said. “But I’m happy to help the team by scoring. Ferran was on the pitch, Fabian was there and so was I. Any one of us could take a penalty.”

Spain’s next match is against England in Madrid on 15 November 2026, with top spot in the group and momentum heading into the quarter-finals at stake. Their win in Prague gives them confidence as they prepare for a fixture in which they will again have to cope without Rodri, while Zubimendi continues adapting to his mask and Baena has emerged as an unexpected penalty option.