Ahead of Simon, centre-backs Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi have formed a formidable partnership, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella providing the width at full-back. That back four has started three of Spain's five matches at this tournament, with Marcos Llorente deputising at right-back for Porro in the other two.

De La Fuente stressed the collective nature of his side's defensive effort after the win over Portugal.