A new No 1? How to stop Lamine Yamal? Tuchel's selection issues

Tuchel faces key defensive decisions for England's Nations League clash with Spain in Madrid, including whether to hand Trafford his first start in goal and how to contain Lamine Yamal.

England travel to Madrid to face world champions Spain in a Nations League Group A3 decider, with victory securing top spot. Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he will field a strong XI despite the three-day turnaround from Thursday's Croatia win, with Harry Kane leading the line and Jude Bellingham at No 10.

Tuchel's main selection dilemmas centre on defence. The most significant decision concerns the goalkeeper position: Jordan Pickford, who has been England's undisputed No 1 since 2018, started the lesser fixture against Croatia, suggesting James Trafford could get the nod against Spain—a potential "changing of the guard" moment after Pickford's 94 caps.

In the outfield, Lewis Hall is expected to start at left-back to contain Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who finished third in the Ballon d'Or rankings and was rested by Spain on Thursday. Hall earned praise from Tuchel after Croatia and previously impressed against Yamal in the Champions League.

On the right flank, Ben White and Djed Spence are competing for the spot, with Trent Alexander-Arnold likely to be dropped after Tuchel's repeated questioning of his defending.