Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly defended Lamine Yamal against accusations of preferential treatment. Yamal, a Barcelona forward, joined the national team camp late due to inflammation in his right knee, an injury sustained after Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid. De la Fuente clarified that the decision for Yamal to stay home for treatment was purely medical, stating that no special privileges were granted and the same consideration would be given to any other player. Yamal missed Spain's UEFA Nations League match against Czechia but is expected to recover for the upcoming encounter against England. De la Fuente expressed significant frustration with media reports, condemning them as "lying," "lack of rigor," and "fabrication" for suggesting otherwise. Spain currently leads their UEFA Nations League group with 12 points, three ahead of England, with both teams already securing quarter-final qualification.