Spain's eleven: Fabián or Pedri... or Fabián and Pedri?

Spain face England on Sunday; De la Fuente must decide between Fabián or Pedri in midfield, with five players one yellow card away from missing the quarter-final first leg.

Spain play England on Sunday at 20:45 in a Nations League quarter-final first leg with significant implications. A draw would secure top spot in the group and guarantee a home second leg, plus a fourth consecutive Finals Four appearance for the Spanish federation.

De la Fuente's lineup is largely settled: Unai Simón in goal, a back four of Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte and Cucurella, and Zubimendi as the holding midfielder. The main tactical question is whether to pair Fabián and Pedri in midfield to strengthen the centre after Spain's struggles at Wembley, which would mean sacrificing the in-form Fermín.

Five players are one yellow card away from suspension for the quarter-final first leg: Porro, Merino, Baena, Fermín and Víctor. Up front, De la Fuente must choose between Ferran Torres, who started in Prague, and Oyarzabal, who missed that match for personal reasons. Lamine Yamal and Baena appear set for the wing positions.