Midfield lynchpin Rodri returns after suspension as Spain coach Luis de la Fuente makes 10 changes to his starting line-up for Sunday’s Euro 2024 last-16 tie against tournament surprise package Georgia in Cologne.
The Spain team is the same as that which started their 1-0 victory over Italy in their second group game, a result which allowed them to secure qualification for the knockout stages as winners of their section.
That meant De la Fuente chose to change almost his entire team for the last match, with only Aymeric Laporte keeping his place for the 1-0 victory against Albania.
Laporte is therefore the only player to retain his place against Georgia, as exciting wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams notably make their returns and Rodri is available again after a ban.
Georgia’s team is the same as that which started against Portugal last Wednesday, when they recorded their first ever win at a major tournament, a 2-0 triumph allowing them to reach the last 16.
They are led by Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and striker Georges Mikautadze, of French club Metz, who scored three goals in three group games.
Spain beat Georgia twice during qualifying for the Euros, winning 7-1 away and 3-1 at home.
The winners of Sunday’s match will face hosts Germany in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart on Friday.
