Spain are unbeaten since last year’s March international break

Spain continue the defence of their Nations League crown on Thursday evening when they visit the Netherlands in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

The European champions have won 14 of their last 15 matches and are unbeaten since last year’s March international break as they continue to shine under Luis de la Fuente. They topped a relatively straightforward Nations League group with ease and will now have to conquer their 2010 FIFA World Cup final opponents to reach the last four.

Ronaldo Koeman’s side had to accept second place in their Nations League group after being unable to best Germany across six matches and they have won just once in their last five. Their Euro 2024 semi-final exit has taken the wind out of their sails.

Spain won the competition in 2022/23 in the Netherlands and are aiming to continue a trophy-laden period at the expense of the Dutch, who were runners-up in the first ever Nations League campaign in 2018/19.

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt had initially been omitted from Koeman’s March squad but has since been called up following injuries to central defenders Nathan Ake and Stefan de Vrij. However, his clubmate Joshua Zirkzee has been left out following a tough spell.

Liverpool trio Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch were all selected – although the latter has since withdrawn due to injury – while Jurrien Timber, Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert are other Premier League inclusions. Brighton trio Jan Paul van Hecke, Mats Wieffer and Bart Verbruggen are involved, while Brentford’s Mark Flekken will compete with the latter for a spot between the sticks.

Memphis Depay, who is the Netherlands’ second top scorer of all time, has returned to the squad having impressed with Corinthians in Brazil.

Denzel Dumfries has also withdrawn from the squad due to fitness issues, while Frenkie de Jong is doubtful to feature in the first leg with Spain.

Netherlands predicted lineup vs Spain (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Frimpong, Van Dijk, De Ligt, J. Timber; Schouten, Koopmeiners; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Brobbey.

De la Fuente has surprised a few with his team selection, leaving behind the likes of Marco Asensio, Alejandro Balde, Marcos Llorente, Isco and Gavi. The defensive trio of Aymeric Laporte, Dani Carvajal and Dani Vivian are among those injured.

Barcelona duo Marc Casado and Inigo Martinez were both named in the squad but have withdrawn with injury – the former likely out for the rest of the season. Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen have replaced the pair.

After his impressive performances with Real Madrid this season, young Raul Asencio has been selected among the travelling defenders.

Spain predicted lineup vs Netherlands (4-3-3): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Le Normand, Cucurella; Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams.