At MHP Arena in Stuttgart, two European giants – Spain and Germany – will square off in an epic quarter-final clash for a place in the semifinals.
Luis de la Fuente has named an unchanged side from that which defeated Albania, featuring Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams as fullbacks for Spain.
Spain Predicted XI: Unai Simon
Unai Simon has been La Roja’s go-to goalkeeper thus far and appears set to keep that role against Germany. His teammates could include Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand and Marc Cucurella in defense, while Rodri may pair with Fabian Ruiz at centre-back.
On the right flank, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal could make his debut for Spain and provide some flashy runs both club and country. Nico Williams may provide extra brawn in central midfield alongside Pedri’s intelligence.
Dani Carvajal
Luis de la Fuente made some changes for Spain’s final group game against Albania, yet will maintain his team for Germany. Carvajal will form part of a defensive unit alongside Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.
After spending one season at Bayer Leverkusen before returning to Real Madrid, Pedri became one of the national team’s key figures. Alongside Rodri Hernandez he forms one of the tournament’s finest midfields – this match promises to be an impressive demonstration of skill and tactical acumen from both teams!
Aymeric Laporte
Laporte played an instrumental role for Manchester City this season in their domestic clean sweep victory. His experience and reliability in defence will provide Spain with a reliable foundation.
Julian Nagelsmann will keep the same starting lineup that won against Georgia. His squad boasts both experienced players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams as well as promising youngster such as Nico Williams.
Going against Europe’s best teams will require Germans to show outstanding team play. Their plan will be to exploit any open spaces available.
Marc Cucurella
Spain has proven their defensive strength and attacking prowess throughout this tournament, but Germany remains a formidable adversary due to their efficient and direct style of play.
Luis de la Fuente is expected to field the same starting lineup that helped Georgia to a 4-1 win in their last 16 matchup, including Bayern Munich defender Marc Cucurella who will likely join Carvajal, Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte as backline defenders alongside Pedri Rodri and Fabian Ruiz in defence. Additionally, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams may start for Georgia.
Pedri
Pedri has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders worldwide and will pose a formidable threat to Germany’s defence. A direct outlet for his teammates, he offers power, vision and technique all under one roof.
Luis de la Fuente has chosen to stick with his original Spain team after resting 10 players against Georgia in their final Group match, although Dani Olmo may push for inclusion, Carvajal and Le Normand remain first choice while Nacho Fernandez and Ayoze Perez make up part of his bench.
Rodri
Luis de la Fuente’s side will face a Germany team famed for their unmatched collective play on Friday evening at Stuttgart Arena.
Pedri has been one of the standouts in this UEFA Nations League campaign. The Barcelona midfielder has demonstrated why Xavi and Iniesta should share an attacking midfield role, earning himself a starting place against Germany. Mateo Kovacic may replace him at central midfield.
Fabian Ruiz
Ruiz is an integral component for Luis de la Fuente and will likely start against Germany. After sitting out the final group match against Albania, he returned with two shots and four crosses (three accurate). This tournament has seen his performance go beyond expectations – two shots have been fired at target as well as four crosses which have resulted in two shots taken and three accurate crosses made (a total of 12 total).
His presence in the backline provides stability and depth – two essential assets in any side that strives to balance experience with emerging talent.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal of Barcelona has been included in Spain’s squad for Friday’s quarter-final matchup against Germany. He has made a strong impact for Barcelona this season and may start in their starting XI.
Luis de la Fuente should stick with his same starting XI from their last-16 match against Albania. Marc Cucurella from RB Leipzig and Dani Carvajal should both remain at full-back, with Aymeric Laporte providing defensive stability. In midfield Pedri should continue alongside Gavi and Koke who balance energy and precision respectively.
Also read; Germany National Football Team Vs Hungary National Football Team Lineups
Alvaro Morata
Alvaro Morata has been given support by Luis de la Fuente to remain part of Spain’s squad despite initial reports suggesting otherwise. Morata captained La Roja to Euro 2024 glory and could lead the strike force alongside Rodri Hernandez and Fabian Ruiz.
Dani Olmo will push hard for a start but should not replace Robin Le Normand or Aymeric Laporte in central defence. Nico Schlotterbeck could replace Serge Gnabry in midfield while Florian Wirtz could come back into replace Leroy Sane.
Nico Williams
Arsenal target Williams made an impressionful showing for Spain against Georgia and could start on the left wing against Germany. Hailing from Bilbao University, Williams has drawn notice across Europe due to his impressive performances – many have even predicted he may earn himself a move to England’s Premier League. Julian Nagelsmann does not anticipate any injuries for this match against Denmark and should select the same starting eleven that began against Denmark. Maximilian Mittelstadt should keep his spot as left-back while David Raum and Florian Wirtz compete to start in midfield.
