The Julen Lopetegui era for Spain begins against Belgium this evening, and it is a case of ‘as you were’ in the new Coach’s first XI.
Only Dani Carvajal and Vitolo are the new faces from Euro 2016 as the 4-3-3 remains, with David de Gea keeping his place in goal and three of the back four choosing themselves.
Sergio Busquets once more anchors a midfield pairing of Koke and Thiago Alcantara, while David Silva is expected to continue as an inverted winger on the right, behind lone striker Alvaro Morata.
Belgium have also appointed a new Coach in Spaniard Roberto Martinez, and the former Everton boss too is keeping faith in his predecessor’s system of 4-2-3-1, although his ex-proteges Kevin Mirallas and Romelu are only substitutes.
Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, J Lukaku; Witsel, Nainggolan; De Bruyne, Hazard, Carrasco; Origi
Subs: Mignolet, Sels, Dendoncker, Lukaku, Mirallas, Mertens, Defour, Hazard, Dembele, Benteke, Batshuayi, Kabasele
Spain: De Gea; Carvajal, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Koke, Thiago; Silva, Morata, Vitolo
Subs: Adrian, Reina, Azpilicueta, Martinez, Sergi, Alcacer, Mata, Bartra, Asensio, Vazquez, Costa, Nolito, Saul
