Spain and Croatia announce starting lineups for crucial UEFA Nations League clash

Spain face Croatia on Tuesday evening in the fourth round of the UEFA Nations League group stage, with both teams releasing their starting XIs. Spain sit at the top of the group table with nine points from three wins, while England follow with six points, Croatia hold three, and the Czech Republic sit at the bottom with zero points. A victory tonight would send Spain directly through to the quarter-finals of the tournament. Croatia must defeat the world champions to keep their own qualification hopes alive.

Lineups And Changes

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has recalled most of his key players after rotating heavily in the previous match against the Czech Republic. Unai Simón, Cubarsí, Cucurella and Oyarzabal all return to the starting side, along with Pubill at right-back who previously started against England and Croatia in the first leg. Spain's full starting lineup features Unai Simón, Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Baena, and Oyarzabal, utilizing a four-two-three-one formation. Croatia coach Slaven Bilić has also confirmed his starting eleven for the match. The Croatian team features Dominik Livaković, Stanišić, Joško Gvardiol, Vušković, Šutalo, Kovačić, Luka Modrić, Nikola Vlašić, Ivan Perišić, Kristijan Jakić, and Matanović.

Context

The UEFA Nations League is a biennial international football competition featuring senior men's national teams of member associations of UEFA. Group stage matches determine advancement to the knockout rounds and eventual tournament finals.