Spain eased to the 2026 World Cup, going unbeaten in qualification, and De la Fuente will use the March international break as a chance to assess his squad before making his final selection for the tournament. While Flick has been critical of De la Fuente's use of Yamal, the Barcelona boss has called upon the Euro 2024-winning coach to hand left-back Alejandro Balde a call-up.
Real Madrid sources have done similar with defender Alvaro Carreras, who has shone following his arrival from Benfica over the summer. De la Fuente, who can call upon Marc Cucurella and Alejandro Grimaldo at left-back at international level, has delivered his thoughts on the prospect of both Balde and Carreras earning international recognition.
"All the clubs are delighted that their players are coming to the National Team, all without exception," the 64-year-old said. "And I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to come. But this is normal because it highlights the value of the club and its player. The National Team is a media showcase that gives you worldwide recognition. That said, I’m totally impervious to comments. Our decisions are free and I bring in those who I think are best. Balde has already been with me, and Carreras has not yet, but he has been an international in the lower categories. Both are on our pre-list and are doing very well, but as long as I consider that there are others who are doing well, they will continue to come."