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Spain’s two wide-attacking stars of Euro 2024 were sat on the bench against Cape Verde, with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams both less than 100 per cent fit after recent muscle injuries.

There were cheers from the stadium when 18-year-old Yamal went out to warm up just after half-time, and it was a surprise that Luis de la Fuente waited so long to make any substitutions with the game continuing at 0-0.

Yamal has not played for club or country since picking up his latest muscle problem with Barcelona on April 22, but De la Fuente decided the risk was worth it in the 71st minute. He almost immediately sprinted past his marker, opening space that led to a half-chance for fellow substitute Mikel Merino of Arsenal, but Cape Verde continued to look quite comfortable in defence. Williams was introduced in the 87th minute.

Lamal and Williams’ direct running and dribbling skills were key to their European Championship victory just two years ago. Spain will need the pair of them to recover their form and fitness quickly if they are to follow up that summer with another major tournament victory.