De Gea decision in balance

SPAIN coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted that if he doesn’t know if goalkeeper David de Gea will be mentally ready to face the Czech Republic in Toulouse today. De Gea has endured a difficult build-up to Euro 2016 after allegations that he arranged a sex party for two other Spanish players four years ago, something he has strenuously denied. The Manchester United goalkeeper has claimed that accusations will only make him mentally tougher and he has declared himself ready to face the Czechs if chosen ahead of Iker Casillas. But del Bosque, the man who will have to make that call, said: ‘I’m going to tell them together who will play. I will tell the goalkeepers at the same time as the rest of the players. ‘And if de Gea is able to play, then he’ll play. If he’s not, we’ll take another decision without any problem.’ Spain won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 and are keen to claim an unprecedented third trophy. However, the de Gea scandal has cast a shadow over preparations. Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos said: ‘It was not very nice news to receive but when you’re with a team-mate he has the whole support of the group. ‘We’re not going to say anything about it, he has said what he wants to say himself. ‘We’re very motivated and want the championship to begin to defend our title.’ Del Bosque clung on to his job after Spain’s disastrous World Cup 2014 campaign in Brazil but is expected to bow out after this tournament. ‘I’m always nervous, even if I don’t seem it,’ admitted del Bosque. ‘At the start of a tournament we’re all here focused. ‘We have excitement, without which we couldn’t work.’