Jacobo Ramón earns first Spain call-up as De la Fuente targets Nations League top spot
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named a refreshed squad for the decisive final group-stage fixtures of the UEFA Nations League, with Como defender Jacobo Ramón receiving his first senior call-up. The young centre-back has made a strong impression in Italy under former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, turning his club form—and experience with Spain’s under-21 team—into a place among the senior national side.
Ramón is one of several notable selections as Spain prepare to face the Czech Republic and England. Las Palmas goalkeeper Álvaro Valles and Real Betis midfielder Marc Roca have also been included, while Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios and Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea return to the squad. Their opportunities come as injuries rule out Eric García, Rodri and Dani Olmo. Forward Roberto Fernández, meanwhile, retains his place.
A breakthrough opportunity for Jacobo Ramón
For Ramón, the call-up marks an important step in a rapid rise. The defender has earned recognition through his performances for Como, where Fàbregas has given him the chance to develop in a demanding senior environment. A first invitation to the national team does not guarantee an immediate debut, but it offers Ramón the chance to train alongside established internationals and make his case for a future role.
His selection also reflects De la Fuente’s willingness to look beyond Spain’s most familiar clubs when building depth. The coach has regularly blended experienced players with emerging talent, creating competition across the squad. With a packed international calendar and major tournaments on the horizon, giving promising players exposure can help Spain identify reliable options before they are needed in high-pressure matches.
Valles and Roca will also be keen to make the most of their inclusion. The goalkeeper adds another option behind Unai Simón, David Raya and Joan García, while Roca strengthens a midfield group already featuring players such as Pedri, Fabián Ruiz and Martín Zubimendi. Barrios and Barrenetxea, both returning to the fold, will be hoping to turn their recall into meaningful minutes.
Spain’s Nations League fixtures and qualification picture
Spain travel to Prague to meet the Czech Republic on Thursday, 12 November, before hosting England at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, 15 November. The two fixtures close the group stage and could determine which side finishes first in a contest that remains significant even though Spain have already secured their place in the quarter-finals.
De la Fuente’s team have won all four of their matches so far, collecting 12 points and establishing themselves at the top of the group. England are second on nine points. The standings make the final round especially compelling: Spain have the advantage, but England could still apply pressure before the teams meet in Madrid.
England face Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, three days before their trip to Spain. A victory in that match would keep England firmly in contention and add further weight to the showdown at the Metropolitano. Spain, however, know that two positive results would remove any doubt about their position and allow them to carry momentum into the knockout phase.
Why finishing first matters
Top spot offers more than bragging rights. Under the quarter-final format, the group winners receive the advantage of playing the second leg at home. Runners-up must host the opening match before travelling for the decisive return fixture. That difference can shape a tie, particularly when the teams are closely matched and the second leg is settled by a narrow margin.
For Spain, securing first place would also reinforce the progress made under De la Fuente. The national team enter the final two games with an impressive sequence of results: 11 consecutive wins and an unbeaten run that has reached 42 matches, or 43 when counting official fixtures alone. Those figures underline Spain’s consistency, although the coach will be aware that past form offers no guarantee in a high-stakes international contest.
The challenge will be to balance ambition with squad management. Injuries have already forced changes, and the final group games provide an opportunity to assess alternatives without losing sight of the result. The Czech Republic will be Spain’s immediate focus, but the England match could become the defining test of the group if the visitors beat Croatia first.
Tribute at Spain’s squad announcement
De la Fuente began the squad announcement with a video tribute to the victims of the Órdax train accident and to the late Jesús de Miguel. The opening acknowledged the human stories connected to the news and offered a moment of remembrance before attention turned to the football and the upcoming fixtures.
Spain squad for the final Nations League group matches
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García, Álvaro Valles.
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Dean Huijsen, Jacobo Ramón, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo.
Midfielders: Martín Zubimendi, Pablo Barrios, Fabián Ruiz, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Álex Baena, Fermín López, Marc Roca.
Forwards: Nico Williams, Yéremy Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernández, Lamine Yamal, Ander Barrenetxea.
Football prediction: Spain face a demanding finish
Spain’s unbeaten run and perfect group record make them strong favourites to finish first, but the final fixtures still carry real competitive value. The Czech Republic will be eager to test the leaders at home, while England’s quality means the match in Madrid could be close even if Spain control possession. A cautious football prediction would give Spain the edge overall, particularly with home advantage against England, while recognising that the result in Prague and England’s match against Croatia could shape the pressure on the final day.
Beyond the standings, these games will provide a useful measure of Spain’s depth. Ramón’s debut opportunity, the returning players’ performances and the response to key absences will all be watched closely. If the newcomers adapt quickly and Spain maintain their recent standards, De la Fuente’s side can enter the quarter-finals with both a favourable draw position and renewed confidence.
