Spain vs Czech Republic team news: David De Gea and Alvaro Morata start as Spain begin Euro 2016 title defence
Cesc Fabregas and David Silva are also named in Vicente del Bosque's starting line-up
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Your support makes all the difference.David De Gea has been named in the Spain starting line-up for the Euro 2016 Group D encounter against the Czech Republic, despite the recent allegations made in Spain regarding a Spanish sexual assault case.
De Gea has denied all allegations and has received support from Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque, who has named De Gea ahead of veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas four years after the former Real Madrid stopper lifted the European Championship trophy.
He defending champions get their campaign underway looking to banish memories of their group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup, and have deployed a two-man attack in the form of Alvaro Morata and Nolito. Along with De Gea, there is Premier League interest in Cesc Fabregas and David Silva, with the respective Chelsea and Manchester City players named in a four-man midfield alongside Barcelona pair Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.
Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech starts for the Czech Republic, who also deploy midfielder Tomas Rosicky. The 35-year-old suffered an injury-hit farewell season with Arsenal after seeing his contract expire to leave the club, but he is fit enough to start the match and will hope to emulate his impressive showing at Euro 2008.
Teams
Spain: De Gea, Juanfran, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva, Nolito, Morata.
Subs: Casillas, Azpilicueta, Bartra, Koke, Lucas Vazquez, Pedro, Bellerin, Thiago Alcantara, San Jose, Bruno, Aduriz, Sergio Rico
Czech Republic: Cech; Kaderabek, Sivok, Hubnik, Limbersky; Plasil, Darida; Gebre Selassie, Rosicky, Krejcí; Necid
Subs: Kadlec, Dockal, Pudil, Skoda, Kolar, Pavelka, Vaclik, Sural, Skalak, Lafata, Koubek
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