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Rodri makes England point as Lamine Yamal World Cup final injury update issued
Jul 18 2026 08:47 · By Ryan Taylor · 10 Reads
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Spain captain Rodri claims La Roja "have to be more eager to win than afraid of losing" against Argentina.
The remark, tied in with questions about Argentina's ability to turn the tide in their dramatic semi-final triumph in Atlanta on Wednesday, highlighted the difference in mentality between Spain and England.
Manchester City
midfielder Rodri said in a press conference at the Javits Center in Manhattan, New York: "It's going to be the perfect test to determine if we're capable of lifting this World Cup against the most in-form opponent. I already told the guys in the semi-finals that we have to be more eager to win than afraid of losing. And that's what we'll do."
Luis de la Fuente's side motored onto a 2-0 victory over France in their World Cup semi-final in Dallas.
Rodri also paid tribute to Argentina great
Lionel Messi
, though he insisted there is more to the reigning champions than their evergreen 39-year-old captain, who has eight goals and four assists at this tournament.
He continued: “Argentina is much more than Messi; they have proven to be a very complete team. We are the two teams that play the best collectively.
"The achievement of reaching two World Cup finals speaks to a process, to growth, to performance, to being the most in-form team and the one to beat. It's a great accomplishment. I think Sunday's match will be different, more of a duel, more physical.”
Meanwhile, Spain boss De la Fuente also confirmed star winger Lamine Yamal will be fit to play.
The
Barcelona
teenager did not participate in full team training on Thursday and was spotted sporting a bandage on his left thigh as he stretched away from the main group.
The Euro 2024-winning boss said: "He took a hard knock during the penalty incident. He had a slight discomfort and yesterday we preferred that he rest. Today he trained with all his teammates and they are all available.
|Lamine needs to be himself, the player we've always known, because he has incredible potential."
He added on Yamal and comparisons with Messi: "Lamine has to be Lamine, Messi is one of a time in history player, he is an example and role model for youth and young players with his titles and behaviour at his age, particularly in this competition."
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