Spain face Croatia in Nations League with Espi left out of squad

Spain can confirm a UEFA Nations League quarterfinal place when they face Croatia in Split, with Real Madrid striker Carlos Espi again excluded from the squad.

• Spain face Croatia on Tuesday in Split in a Group A3 match, with victory securing Spain's place in the quarterfinals.
• Luis de la Fuente has left Carlos Espi out of the 23-man squad despite his urgent call-up to replace the injured Ferran Torres.
• Spain lead the group with nine points from three wins, while Croatia sit third with three points after a 0-7 defeat to England.
• Croatia's squad sees Ante Budimir return up front, with Mario Bongracic covering the absent Smolic in defense.
• Spain coach Luis de la Fuente announced his starting lineup, restoring Unai Simón, Cubarsí, Cucurella and Oyarzabal for the Croatia clash.
• Croatia's starting team features Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić in Tuesday's Nations League match.
• Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split, securing a Nations League quarterfinal place with four wins and 12 points.
• Ivan Perišić gave Croatia an 18th-minute lead but was sent off for a second yellow card in the 78th minute.
• Mikel Merino equalized in the 61st minute and scored the winning goal in the 89th minute for Spain.