Spain face England Nations League decider without injured trio Rodri, Olmo and García

Spain will contest their UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 top-of-the-table decider against England without injured Barcelona trio Rodri, Dani Olmo and Eric García, after Luis de la Fuente named a squad that includes three uncapped players for the first time. Víctor Muñoz is a fourth absentee through injury.

Despite the absences, Spain arrive in strong form. They came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 on 6 October — Mikel Merino scoring both goals — extending their winning run to 11 consecutive matches. England, their opponents in the decisive fixture, beat Czechia 3-0 on the same night, with Harry Kane netting twice.

Three newcomers earn first senior call-ups

Goalkeeper Valles, 29, and midfielder Marc Roca, who turns 30 on 26 November, both receive their maiden senior international call-ups from Real Betis. Roca’s inclusion comes after a long spell on the sidelines with injury. The third debutant, Jacobo Ramón, is a defender who came through the Real Madrid academy and currently plays for Como in Serie A.

Valles is one of four goalkeepers in the squad. Barcelona’s Joan García also returns after injury kept him out of the previous group, as do Pedro Porro, Nico Williams and Ferran Torres. Pablo Barrios of Atlético de Madrid and Ander Barrenetxea of Real Sociedad are also recalled.

Marcos Llorente is absent for a different reason: the Atlético midfielder has retired from international football.

The midfield losses are the most significant. Without Rodri and Olmo, Roca’s call-up gives De la Fuente additional cover in the centre, where Pedri and Fermín are both included.

Atlético–Barcelona clash precedes squad assembly

Several players called up will first feature in a high-stakes La Liga fixture before joining the national team. Atlético de Madrid host Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday 8 November — La Liga matchday 12 — in a match that could reshape the top of the table. Barcelona lead the standings on 30 points; Atlético have won their last seven league games and can go top with an eighth consecutive victory.

Barcelona will release Joan García, Pau Cubarsí, Pedri, Fermín and Lamine Yamal to the squad after the game. Atlético contribute Marc Pubill, Álex Grimaldo, Álex Baena and Barrios, leaving both clubs managing a rapid turnaround for a large contingent of players.

The full squad reports on Monday 9 November. Spain face Czechia at the Epet Arena in Prague on Thursday 13 November before the England showdown.