European Championship
Jun 15, 2024 5.00pm
3
0
HT : 3 0
FT Olympiastadion Berlin
  • Alvaro Morata 29' goal
  • Fabian Ruiz 32' goal
  • Dani Carvajal 45'+2' goal
  • Rodri 78' yellowcard

How Spain could line up against Croatia

How Spain could line up against Croatia

Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal is set to make history on Saturday, as he is expected to be in Spain's starting XI for their Euro 2024 opener against Croatia.

The record for the youngest player to ever feature at the European Championship is currently held by Kacper Kozlowski, who was 17 years and 246 days old when he represented Poland at Euro 2020.

Yamal will be 16 years and 337 days old when Spain take to the field for matchday one, though, with the attacker in line for another historic moment in what has been an incredible start to his professional career.

Alvaro Morata will captain Spain on Saturday, while there is also likely to be a spot in the final third of the field for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with Dani Olmo potentially on the bench.

Mikel Merino is also pushing to start but could ultimately be overlooked, with Fabian Ruiz potentially being given the nod from the first whistle.

Aymeric Laporte missed Thursday's training session with a slight muscular issue, which is likely to lead to Nacho starting in the middle of the defence.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to use Dani Carvajal and Alex Grimaldo as his two full-backs at the tournament, while Unai Simon is the national team's number one goalkeeper.

Rodri is another certain starter for Spain, while the same can be said for Pedri, who will be a vital player for La Roja this summer providing that he can remain fit and available.

Ferran Torres has an impressive record of 19 goals in 41 appearances for his country, but the Barcelona attacker is likely to have to settle for a spot on the bench in the opening match of Group B.

Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Grimaldo; Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams

> Click here to see how Croatia could line up for the fixture

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POLL
Who will win Saturday's European Championship clash between Spain and Croatia?
Spain 54%
Draw 29%
Croatia 17%
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