Lamine Yamal is set to be handed a new Spain shirt number, with the Barcelona forward expected to return to the starting lineup against England on Sunday.
Yamal, who scored at Wembley in the reverse fixture in September, missed Spain's Nations League victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday because of a knee problem.
Spain's Winning Run Continues
Without him, the reigning world and European champions eased to a 2-0 win in Prague, with Atletico Madrid duo Alex Baena and Marc Pubill scoring in either half to maintain La Roja's perfect record in Group A3.
Spain have already qualified for the Nations League knockout phase, but still need a point against England to guarantee top spot and, potentially, an easier quarter-final tie in March.
Yamal Fit to Start
Hopes of extending their unbeaten run to 44 international matches have been boosted as Luis de la Fuente has confirmed Yamal is fit to start at the Metropolitano Stadium, while hitting out at reports that the Barcelona winger receives preferential treatment.
“We'll see if he starts. If he does, it's because he's in perfect condition,” the Spain boss told reporters.
“You never know what the game will take. He's in perfect condition. He's been with his club. He's rested very well. He's in perfect condition.
“Lamine is fantastic. We would do the whole process again. He's made a perfect recovery, and the welcome he and Mikel [Oyarzabal] received was spectacular.
“Two more members of our family together, and we're happy that they're doing so well.
“The more players we have, the happier we are. I simply wanted to say what I don't like and be glad that the players are in fantastic shape to play.”
No10 Shirt Allocated
According to reports in Spain, Yamal will return to the XI against England, replacing Crystal Palace's Yeremy Pino in attack.
In doing so, Yamal has been allocated the prestigious Spain No10 shirt, as per Marca.
Yamal normally wears No19 for the national team, but the No10 has become available during this window with Dani Olmo being ruled out of the Nations League double-header through injury.
