Qatar 2022: Morata starts for much-changed Spain in Japan W/Cup match

Luis Enrique starts with Morata in place of Marco Asensio up front, after the striker netted against both Germany and Costa Rica as a substitute.

Spain also brought Barcelona’s teen left-back Alejandro Balde in for his full international debut, while winger Nico Williams also starts, with Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres dropping out.

Right-back Cesar Azpilicueta returns in place of Dani Carvajal, while Pau Torres plays at centre-back instead of Aymeric Laporte.

Japan, who likely need to win to progress, also make five changes from the team that lost 1-0 to Costa Rica.

Forwards Junya Ito and Takefusa Kubo, striker Daizen Maeda and midfielder Ao Tanaka all return to the line-up after starting the last game on the bench, while Shogo Taniguchi replaces Miki Yamane at right-back.

READ ALSO: Qatar 2022: Germany opt for three man defence, Costa Rica make three changes

Influential midfielder Wataru Endo misses out through injury.

Japan (4-2-3-1)

Shuichi Gonda; Shogo Taniguchi, Kou Itakura, Maya Yoshida (capt), Yuto Nagatomo; Ao Tanaka, Hidemasa Morita; Takefusa Kubo, Daichi Kamada, Junya Ito; Daizen MaedaCoach: Hajime Moriyasu (JPN)

Spain (4-3-3)

Unai Simon; Cesar Azpilicueta, Rodri Hernandez, Pau Torres, Alejandro Balde; Gavi, Sergio Busquets (capt), Pedri; Nico Williams, Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo

Coach: Luis Enrique (ESP)

Referee: Victor Gomes (RSA)