De la Fuente announces Yamal's return ahead of England clash: he could have played against the Czech Republic!

Luis de la Fuente has finally breathed a sigh of relief. After a week of medical reports, doubts and controversy, the Spain manager has confirmed that Lamine Yamal is ready to face England, and that the Barcelona star will be present in the decisive match that will determine who tops the group.

De la Fuente explained, during press statements after the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic reported by "Sport", that Yamal is feeling much better and will join his teammates tomorrow, and that Mikel Oyarzabal is also on the mend and set to link up with the squad.

On the match, he said: As we expected, we faced an attacking side that exploited its physical superiority and its skills on set pieces, which created pressure on our defence. We wasted chances we do not usually miss, they exploited our weak points near their penalty area to launch counter-attacks. Had we taken some of our chances, things would have been much calmer. We did not settle until the score became 2-0".

On the fitness front, the Spanish coach had reassuring words: We have good news, Lamine Yamal is in excellent condition and is eager to join the camp tomorrow, and so is Mikel. One of them will arrive at midday and the other a little later, but both will be with us tomorrow".

Looking ahead to England, De la Fuente explained: "Given the level of the two teams, we expected the match to be like a World Cup or European Championship final. Either team is capable of winning. It is a chance to watch two of the best teams in the world, we want to continue this momentum and this run of victories".

Lamine and Oyarzabal will train with the rest of the squad at seven in the evening in Las Rozas. They were the two players missing from the side that won 2-0 in Prague, where Alex Baena converted a penalty and Marc Pubill struck in the last minute of stoppage time to seal a perfect 15 points from 15.

Having monitored the winger's condition throughout the week, De la Fuente added: "Lamine is happy to be back with the team".

That late arrival stirred some controversy. The coach quickly moved to calm things down, saying: Lamine does not enjoy any special privileges. The Barcelona player will take part in two training sessions before the match, and De la Fuente has already confirmed he will start.

Slight inflammation in his right knee kept Lamine in Barcelona. The MRI scan revealed inflammation and a build-up of fluid in the joint, and the medical staff decided it was better to treat it there rather than send him to Prague.

De la Fuente admitted that he could have played against the Czech Republic, but with Sunday's match approaching the risk was not worth it.

Oyarzabal's absence had nothing to do with football. The coach explained: "Mikel Oyarzabal was delayed because he became a father, and he had missed the Prague match due to flu".

Now all eyes turn to Sunday in Madrid. Spain and England meet in what feels like an early final, a test of whether Spain can keep their winning run going with their number one star back in the fold.