Spain's UEFA Nations League Squad: Key Changes Ahead of England Clash

Spain’s world champions are back on the road – and Luis de la Fuente has made it clear that nobody can get comfortable.

The Spain coach has named his squad for the start of La Roja's 2026–2027 UEFA Nations League campaign, making four changes to the group that lifted the World Cup. The core remains untouched. The message does not: reputations alone will not protect anyone.

Spain restart after their World Cup and European Championship double with a heavyweight trip to Wembley to face England next week, the first of four games in a demanding international window. After London, they return home to host Croatia on the 29th at the Sánchez-Pizjuán, then face the Czech Republic in Oviedo on the 3rd, before closing the series with a second meeting against Croatia in Split.

It is a schedule that will test depth, rhythm and hunger. De la Fuente has picked his squad accordingly.

Goalkeeper shake-up: injury opens the door

One change was forced. Joan García is out after injuring his right knee in a fall during the match against Racing, ruling him out of this camp and leaving a vacancy in goal.

De la Fuente has moved quickly, calling up Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez. The recall brings Martínez back into the national team picture for the first time since June 2021, when he wore the Spain shirt in the hastily assembled side that faced Lithuania after the senior squad was isolated following positive coronavirus tests for Sergio Busquets and Diego Llorente.

Now he returns in very different circumstances: not as part of an emergency XI, but as a contender behind Unai Simón and David Raya in a champion squad.

Defence: Huijsen back, Eric García steps into Llorente’s space

At right-back, the change was coming. Marcos Llorente announced his retirement from international football on 3 September, leaving a gap on the flank.

De la Fuente has turned to Eric García for that role, rewarding the defender’s consistency in a position he has occupied for every minute with his club this season. It is a clear tactical nod: form and familiarity with the role outweigh past labels.

Dean Huijsen also returns. The Real Madrid defender, who missed the World Cup, is back in the fold and adds fresh competition in central defence alongside Pau Cubarsí, Laporte and Vivian, with Pedro Porro, Cucurella and Grimaldo covering the full-back positions.

Midfield: Fermín back, Gavi ruled out

The midfield sees one of the most eye-catching shifts. Gavi drops out after his minutes tailed off following a new knee problem picked up against Elche. He had started Spain’s opening World Cup match against Cape Verde, but injury cut that tournament short and his situation has not eased.

Spain’s hopes of a quick resolution to his disciplinary situation have also been blocked. FIFA’s appeals committee rejected the Spanish federation’s attempt to suspend the ban imposed on Gavi over events in the World Cup final, closing another route back for now.

Into that space steps Fermín López. The Barcelona midfielder returns to De la Fuente’s plans after missing the World Cup with a foot injury suffered on the final day of last season, a bitter blow at the time given his status as one of the coach’s key men in the build-up. Now he has his chance again, rejoining a midfield packed with control and creativity: Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo and Baena.

Attack: a new No 9 riding the Zarra wave

The boldest call comes up front. Borja Iglesias, a trusted option during the World Cup, has been left out.

His place goes to Espanyol striker Roberto Fernández, the new face leading the race for the Zarra Trophy, awarded to the top Spanish scorer in the league. His form has pushed him ahead of Camello, Espí and Gonzalo in the battle for a national team spot, and De la Fuente has rewarded that surge.

Around him, the attacking cast remains familiar and dangerous: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Víctor Muñoz. Width, one‑v‑one threat, and a penalty-box finisher in form – the balance looks deliberate.

Spain squad for the UEFA Nations League

• Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Josep Martínez.
• Defence: Pedro Porro, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Laporte, Vivian, Dean Huijsen, Cucurella, Grimaldo.
• Midfield: Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Baena, Fermín López.
• Attack: Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernández, Lamine Yamal, Víctor Muñoz.

World champions, European champions, and now the Nations League on the horizon. With four games in quick succession and new faces pushing in, how long can this Spain side keep everyone else chasing their shadow?