Spain v Cape Verde LIVE: Team news and Lamine Yamal latest ahead of World Cup clash

Spain arrive at this World Cup as the reigning European champions, and strong contenders to go deep over the next six weeks. Chris Wilson explores how they have developed a new kind of tiki-taka after a few lean years.

Spain boss Luis De La Fuente has revealed Lamine Yamal is in “perfect condition” following injury concerns.

The teenager has been sidelined since April with a hamstring problem and subsequently missed the final stages of Barcelona’s La Liga-winning season.

Spain kick off their Group H campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta and De la Fuente provided an update on Yamal along with the rest of the squad ahead of their opening game.

“The best news is that he’s in perfect condition,” De La Fuente said. “The process we had planned has gone as expected and he’s arrived at the scheduled time.

“I can tell you that everyone will be available. That doesn’t mean they’ll be ready for the whole match, but the best news is that they’re in good form.”

A very good afternoon. Another World Cup contender is just about ready to get underway in Atlanta, Spain looking to back up their European triumph with success on the global stage. They begin their tournament against debutants Cape Verde, with the archipelagic state raring to go for their first fixture on this stage.