Spain vs Sweden: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction
By Max Cooper
Spain kick off their Euro 2020 campaign with a Group E clash against underdogs Sweden on Monday evening, when they'll be hoping to stake their claim as potential winners of the summer tournament.
La Roja failed in their attempts to win their third straight European Championship in 2016, suffering a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of Antonio Conte's Italy in the round of 16.
Their World Cup 2018 adventure was equally as disappointing, enduring penalty shootout heartbreak against hosts Russia in the same round. This new era of Spanish football has had its perilous lows in recent years, but they are ready to return to the peak of the sport.
Sweden on the other hand, will be hoping to turn in a much better showing than five years ago, when they finished bottom of a group containing Italy, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland.
Here's everything you need to know about the game.
What TV channel is Spain vs Sweden on?
When is kick off? Monday 14 June, 20:00 (BST)
Where is the match being played? La Cartuja Stadium, Seville
What TV Channel is it on? BBC One (UK), ESPN (US)
Who is the referee? Slavko Vincic
Who's on VAR duty? Tomaz Klancnik
Spain team news
Spain's Euro 2020 preparations couldn't have suffered a more significant setback than they did in the week building up to the tournament, when first Sergio Busquets and then Diego Llorente both tested positive for coronavirus.
The pair, along with sections of the playing squad, were placed in isolation bubbles and mass training was brought to a halt. There were also concerns that Under-21 players would have to be drafted in, and indeed the starlets were used in the nation's warm-up friendlies.
However, Llorente has recorded three negative Covid-19 results, meaning he is free to join up with his teammates. Busquets will not feature though, as he is still positive with the virus. In defence, Pau Torres is set to partner Aymeric Laporte in Sergio Ramos' absence, while utility star Marcos Llorente could slot in at right-back.
The midfield places are up for grabs, with very few injury concerns throughout the camp. Ferran Torres and Gerard Moreno are likely to get the nod out wide, and Alvaro Morata should lead the line.
Sweden team news
Sweden have been dealt serious blows in the form of positive coronavirus tests for talisman Dejan Kulusevski and promising midfielder Mattias Svanberg, meaning neither is predicted to feature against Spain.
Everton loanee Robin Olsen should start between the sticks, Manchester United star Victor Lindelof will lead the defence from centre-back, and creative midfielder Emil Forsberg will be heavily relied on in the final third.
The Swedes are expected to play with two strikers, which could see Marcus Berg partner promising wonderkid Alexander Isak.
Our 21 - One to Watch
Ferran Torres may not have taken the Premier League by storm just yet, but the Manchester City star is a dangerous weapon out wide for this Spain side. He has the pace to frighten defences and the trickery to match. Keep an eye on his progress throughout the tournament.
Predicted lineups
Spain: Simon; M Llorente, Laporte, P Torres, Alba; Thiago Alcantara, Rodri, Koke; F Torres, Morata, G Moreno
Sweden: Olsen; Lustig, Lindelof, Danielson, Augustinsson; Claesson, Ekdal, Olsson, Forsberg; Isak, Berg
Prediction
Despite Spain's issues heading into this tournament, they remain the heavy favourites in this particular contest. Luis Enrique is fortunate to boast an embarrassment of midfield riches, and that might be where we see the game won and lost.
Spain have got goals in that forward line, but their defence is not settled just yet. A win and both teams to score seems a solid bet.
Prediction: Spain 3-1 Sweden