Spain Wins Without Lamine Yamal, Stretches Unbeaten Run to 43 Games

With its golden boy off the field, Spain still did what it has been doing best lately: winning. Luis de la Fuente's side beat Czechia 2-0 on Thursday in Prague, stretching its unbeaten run to 43 games, a number that is starting to sound like a broken record from how often it comes up.

The goals carried an Atletico Madrid signature: Alex Baena and Marc Pubill, both of Atletico Madrid, got on the scoresheet to give the Roja its fifth win in five Nations League Group A3 matches. A perfect record, full points, and all without needing their biggest star.

That is what stands out here: Lamine Yamal was left out with a knee issue, the first match he has missed all season, whether for Barcelona or for the national team. Before this break he had played all 20 matches between club and country, racking up 17 goals and 13 assists. A remarkable level of consistency for such a young player, which is exactly why his absence was felt in the lineup, even if not in the final score.

The good news came straight from the coach. De la Fuente confirmed that both Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward who had also been carrying a knock, will be available for Sunday's match against England at the Metropolitano.

There's good news. Lamine Yamal is feeling good now and is eager to join the squad on Friday. Mikel is also improving. One will arrive at midday and the other a bit later, but both will be with us for the match against England.Luis de la Fuente

England Lurking

While Spain was taking care of business in Prague, England did its homework at Wembley with a 2-1 win over Croatia that keeps it just three points behind the Roja, who lead Group A3. Both teams have already booked their spots in the Nations League quarterfinals, so Sunday's clash will not decide anything of life or death. Still, it will settle something every captain likes to have: first place in the group.

And that is the real spice of the match: England is, right now, one of the few opponents with enough quality to end Spain's 43-game unbeaten run, a streak that dates back to the loss to Colombia in March 2024. De la Fuente does not hide the fact that he knows what is at stake, though he keeps his feet on the ground about it.

This will be a chance to see two of the best national teams in the world. We want to keep this momentum going and keep extending this streak. The thing is, with every game that passes, a loss gets closer. That's just how it is, but we're happy and we value what we're achieving.Luis de la Fuente

On Sunday, in Madrid, we will find out whether the streak remains intact or whether England puts an end to one of the longest-running stories in recent European soccer.