Spain XI vs France: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

La Roja will need more from Lamine Yamal to reach another World Cup final

Spain have an almost fully fit squad ahead of tonight’s World Cup semi-final against France.

La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente has rotated throughout the tournament, with Ferran Torres and Pedri both losing their starting places to Alex Baena and Fabian Ruiz.

Lamine Yamal was not fit enough to start their opener, but has since done so for every game, while Mikel Oyarzabal’s interplay has proved his credentials as their starting striker. He has four goals to his name in the tournament and remains an outside shout to win the Golden Boot.

Captain Rodri is their midfield anchor, with Dani Olmo occupying an attacking midfield space and Ruiz or Pedri sitting in alongside him.

Metronome: Rodri

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Pau Cubarsi and Aymeric Laporte have formed a solid centre-back partnership, while Pedro Porro has won the battle for a starting berth at right-back over Marcos Llorente.

New Real Madrid signing Marc Cucurella is influential from left-back, while Unai Simon will retain his place between the sticks.

Mikel Merino came off the bench in Spain’s last two knockout games and scored the winning goal, but will likely remain a substitute tonight. Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino will both join him on the bench after recovering from mid-tournament injuries.

Winger Victor Munoz is a doubt, but the Spain squad has a clean bill of health aside from that.