Luis de la Fuente fields unchanged XI vs England, Pedri doubtful

Under the sparkling lights of Wembley, Luis de la Fuente presents a line‑up almost identical to the one that won the World Cup, although the absence of Pedro Porro and the doubt over Pedri create uncertainty ahead of the clash with England tonight.

Respect for the World Cup eleven

Luis de la Fuente has stated that he will keep, in essence, the eleven that became World Cup champions by beating Argentina. Only nuances forced by injuries and tactical decisions are introduced. The coach also noted that the only mandatory change is the absence of Porro and the possible exclusion of Pedri. The line‑up retains the solidity that took Spain to world glory.

In defense, Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte form the shadow‑less central pair, while Marc Cucurella remains as left‑back against the threat of Bukayo Saka. The loss of Pedro Porro, injured on September 19 against Aston Villa, forces Eric García to be placed at right‑back. Marc Pubill appears as an alternative on De la Fuente’s list. Goalkeeper Unai Simón holds the goal, after having scarcely received the ball throughout the World Cup.

The midfield revolves around Rodri, the pivot anchor, accompanied by Fabián Ruiz and Pedri as inside midfielders. Pedri is listed in the squad, but his condition is the biggest doubt a few hours before the initial whistle. His ability to link up with the forwards is key to Spanish possession. Unai Simón will remain between the three posts, reinforcing safety under the crossbars.

Luis de la Fuente excludes Iván Fresneda from the debut against England

In the attacking line, Lamine Yamal occupies the right wing, Mikel Oyarzabal acts as the reference striker and Álex Baena completes the left‑handed trident. Oyarzabal recalls his decisive goal in the Euro 2024 final against Germany, experience that could be decisive against England. The offensive trio seeks to replicate the effectiveness shown at the Euro, where the combination of Oyarzabal and Yamal was decisive. The partnership aims to create space against the English defence.

England arrives weakened

The English side arrives without several regulars: Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento left the camp. Thomas Tuchel has called up Morgan Gibbs‑White and James Garner to bolster the squad. The changes to the English list leave the team without several of its usual forwards. Spain will debut at 20:45 at Wembley as part of the Nations League.

Spain aims to seal a new era in the Wembley duel against England

After the clash at Wembley, Spain prepares to host Croatia on September 29 at the Sánchez‑Pizjuán in Seville. The next match against Croatia will be Spain’s next commitment in the Nations League. The schedule confirms that the team will retain most of its squad to face the upcoming fixture.