England media calls Lamine Yamal debate "absurd"

The Guardian called the Spanish media debate over Lamine Yamal's rest from the Czech Republic match "absurd", noting Spain should embrace having the world's best player.

Lamine Yamal was rested for Spain's opening UEFA Nations League match against the Czech Republic, prompting some Spanish media outlets to suggest he received preferential treatment. Manager Luis de la Fuente defended the decision, citing minor fitness concerns and calling accusations of favouritism "disrespectful".

The Guardian weighed in on the controversy, labelling it an "absurd debate" that has dominated the international break. The British newspaper noted that Spain's dominance—having won the recent World Cup with eight Barcelona players in the squad—should be celebrated rather than scrutinised.

The outlet questioned why there should be any debate about rest management for a team in Spain's position, pointing out that Yamal had followed the same recovery protocol as other players like Oyarzabal and had exceeded the manager's 270-minute threshold in the previous international window.

Spain face England in the Nations League on Sunday.