Ferran draws his cape

Ferran Torres will lead Spain's attack against Czech Republic with Oyarzabal sidelined by illness, seeking to rediscover his scoring form after eight games without a goal.

Ferran Torres will start as Spain's centre-forward in Prague against Czech Republic, with Mikel Oyarzabal ruled out by a viral illness. The Manchester City forward, who scored Spain's second goal in the 2022 World Cup final, arrives with renewed importance and the full backing of both manager Luis de la Fuente and PSG coach Luis Enrique.

Torres has struggled for goals recently, going eight matches without scoring after an explosive start to his international career that saw him net seven goals in his first seven games. However, both coaches maintain complete confidence in him. De la Fuente and Luis Enrique believe the international break will serve as a springboard for Torres to rediscover his touch, much as it has for Spanish players in the past.

At 26, Torres is now one of Spain's senior players and serves as a captain. He has 25 goals in 66 appearances for his country and ranks tenth on Spain's all-time goalscorer list, ahead of Alfredo Di Stéfano. England visit the Metropolitano on Sunday, giving Torres two matches to rebuild momentum.