Baena eyes defensive set-piece improvements from Spain for England clash

Álex Baena conceded Spain struggled with Czechia's set-piece threat at times, but he was pleased with the control they showed to continue their perfect Nations League start.

Spain ran out 2-0 winners over 10-man Czechia, with Baena scoring a first-half penalty before Marc Pubill secured all three points in the 96th minute.

Czechia had given Spain some warning signs, with Adam Hložek going closest when he sent a header against the crossbar, just before Ladislav Krejčí was sent off for a last-man foul.

The win extended Spain's long unbeaten run, while they have now gone three away matches without defeat against Czechia (W1 D2).

Czechia failed to get any of their 13 shots on target in Prague, but caused problems during their set-pieces, and Baena noted how important it is for Spain to tighten up before their final Nations League game against England on Sunday.

"We controlled the game very well," Baena told Teledeporte.

"There was a moment when they created too many chances from set-pieces, and we had opportunities to score a second goal."

"From inside the box, we were calm; we had it under control, with some uncertainty because of their set-piece chances, but we did a good job, and we're happy with the victory."

"That Spain-England match in Madrid on Sunday is going to be a great one."

Baena had a game-high four shots and 14 touches in the opposition box, with his expected goals (xG) figure of 0.99 only bettered by Roberto Fernández (1.28).

"When I saw myself in the role of taking the penalty, I was surprised but happy to help the team with a goal," he added.

"Ferran [Torres] was on the field, Fabián [Ruiz] was there, I was there... any of us can take a penalty."

Spain's spot in the Nations League quarter-finals was already confirmed before this game, and they sit top of Group A3 after five matches, with a maximum 15 points on the board.

However, first place has not yet been wrapped up, with the match against England on Sunday set to decide the group winner.

While La Roja were without Lamine Yamal against Czechia due to a knee injury, head coach Luis de la Fuente is confident he will be back in the fold for their next match.

"We have good news: Lamine is doing very well and is eager to join the training camp," De la Fuente told Teledeporte.

"As is Mikel Oyarzabal [who missed the Czechia game through illness]. We'll have them available [on Friday]."