Spain have rung the changes for their Euro 2024 clash with Albania later today.
La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente has the luxury of being able to rest most if not all of his key stars ahead of a last-16 tie against as-yet unknown opponents in Cologne on Sunday.
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That is because Spain have already wrapped up their progress through to the knockout stages as group winners, having followed a commanding 3-0 opening win over Croatia in Berlin last weekend with another dominant display against defending champions Italy in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday night, settled in the end by an unfortunate own goal from Riccardo Calafiori.
Unable to be overtaken, they rest most of their usual starters for what on paper is their easiest group game, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya coming in along with the likes of Jesus Navas, Dani Vivian, Martin Zubimendi, Alex Grimaldo, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Joselu.
That means the night off for young superstar Lamine Yamal, plus other key players such as Nico Williams, Alvaro Morata, Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Carvajal and Unai Simon.
Albania can still qualify for the last 16 after a narrow first loss to Italy in Dortmund was followed by a dramatic last-gasp draw with Croatia in Hamburg, though they cannot lose this game. A draw also wouldn’t be enough if Croatia beat Italy at the same time in Leipzig.
Manager Sylvinho made two changes for the Croatia game, midfielder Qazim Laci coming in along with forward Rey Manaj and scoring an early opener and those two keep their spots.
Chelsea’s Armando Broja is again left on the bench.
Albania forward Mirlind Daku has been banned for two games for leading offensive chanting after the draw with Croatia.
Confirmed team news
Albania XI: Strakosha, Balliu, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj, Ramadani, Asllani, Asani, Laci, Bajrami, Manaj
Subs: Etrit Berisha, Hysaj, Gjasula, Broja, Kastrati, Mihaj, Seferi, Medon Berisha, Muci, Ismajli, Abrashi, Kumbulla, Aliji, Hoxha
Spain XI: Raya, Jesus Navas, Vivian, Laporte, Grimaldo, Zubimendi, Merino, Torres, Olmo, Oyarzabal, Joselu.
Subs: Carvajal, Le Normand, Morata, Fabian, Remiro, Baena, Williams, Yamal, Gonzalez, Simon, Cucurella, Lopez, Perez
Time and date: 8pm BST today on Monday June 24, 2024
Venue: Dusseldorf Arena
TV channel: BBC Two
