Spain expect Yamal and Oyarzabal back for Nations League decider against England

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal to return to the squad for Sunday’s Nations League meeting with England in Madrid.

Both forwards missed Thursday’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, but De la Fuente said they should rejoin training on Friday.

Yamal was not included for the trip to Prague as he continued his recovery from a knee problem. Oyarzabal stayed in San Sebastian for the birth of his second child.

“Lamine feels very good now and is really looking forward to joining the squad tomorrow,” De la Fuente told Spanish television channel La 1.

He also confirmed that Oyarzabal was expected to be available, adding: “Mikel too. One will arrive at midday and the other a little later, but both will be with us tomorrow.”

Yamal’s return would provide a major lift for Spain, with the Barcelona teenager having become one of the team’s most influential attacking players.

Spain maintained their perfect record in League A Group 3 by beating the Czech Republic, with Atletico Madrid players Alex Baena and Marc Pubill scoring in the victory.

The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 43 matches. Their last defeat came against Colombia in March 2024.

England travel to the Spanish capital after a 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley. They are three points behind Spain, although both sides have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.

Sunday’s match will determine who finishes top of the group. Spain need only a draw to claim first place, while England must win to overtake them.

De la Fuente said the fixture represented a chance to see two of the world’s leading international sides compete against each other.

He also acknowledged the difficulty of protecting Spain’s long unbeaten sequence as they prepare to face England.