De la Fuente questions Spain's favourite tag before Cape Verde

De la Fuente: Are we bigger favourites than Brazil?

Luis de la Fuente has pushed back on the idea Spain are World Cup frontrunners ahead of Monday's opener against Cape Verde. "What does it mean to be favourites? Having a chance to win the World Cup? But honestly, based on what we know, are we really more favourites than France, Brazil or Argentina?" he said (1).

The Spain boss is trying to shift pressure off a squad that has lost both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to fitness concerns during preparations. Both wingers sat out the final warm-up against Peru, though the medical staff remain confident they will be available for Cape Verde.

De la Fuente namedropped France, Brazil, Argentina, England and Portugal as sides carrying just as much expectation and questioned whether Spain belong in that conversation at all.

Ander Herrera negotiating Spain return

Former Spain midfielder Ander Herrera is in talks to come back to Spanish football after leaving Boca Juniors (4). The 36-year-old last played for La Roja in 2017. No club has been confirmed yet, but a deal would bring a familiar face back to La Liga.