Julen Lopetegui defends David de Gea

Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has defended David de Gea following the Manchester United goalkeeper's mistake during Sunday night's 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Villarreal.

Alvaro Odriozola had sent Spain 1-0 ahead in the international friendly, but a mistake from De Gea allowed Switzerland defender Ricardo Rodriguez to level the scores in the second period.

Lopetegui refused to criticise the stopper, however, insisting that the 27-year-old would 'carry Spain through many games' as they prepare for the 2018 World Cup.

"De Gea's mistake? David knows that I know he'll carry us through many games, no doubt about it," Lopetegui told reporters.

Spain will face Tunisia this weekend in their final pre-World Cup match before opening their tournament against Portugal on June 15.