Spain already has the XI to storm Split

Spain already has its XI to take on Croatia. Luis de la Fuente makes a few changes, but keeps a recognizable core for a match that could set up their passage to the quarter-finals of the Nations League.

The coach opts for Unai Simón; Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Baena and Oyarzabal.

The ball will be rolling at 20:45 at the Stadion Poljud in Split and Spain arrive in a privileged position. They have won all three group matches and a draw this evening would be enough to mathematically confirm their place in the quarter-finals.

But La Roja does not look like it is heading to Croatia to speculate. De la Fuente's side come into the game after beating England at Wembley, having overcome Croatia 4-1 in Seville and defeating the Czech Republic 3-1. Now they are looking to close out this international window with a clean sweep of four wins.

And across the pitch, Croatia will have plenty of unfinished business. The Balkan side arrive shaken after the blow they suffered against England: a 0-7 at home that set off every alarm. Luka Modric and company need to respond in front of their own fans and they have an ideal opportunity against the current world champions.

In Spain, one of the big changes is in attack. Lamine Yamal returns to the starting XI after being the absolute star in the previous meeting with Croatia, when he scored twice in the 4-1 win in Seville. Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal will be alongside him.

In midfield, De la Fuente again trusts a front three full of quality. Rodri will be the reference point, with Pedri and Dani Olmo ahead of him. A midfield designed to keep hold of the ball and punish a Croatia that needs to step up and take more risks.

At the back, Marc Pubill and Cucurella will play as full-backs, while Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte will form the centre-back pairing. Unai Simón will be in goal.

Spain have already done their homework in this Nations League. Tonight, in Split, they have the chance to finish it off. A draw is enough to seal qualification, but De la Fuente has named an XI designed to go for another win.

The Croatia-Spain match kicks off at 20:45 and can be followed live on La 1.