[Simon]

Spain have promoted Under 21 boss Albert Celades and named him as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement.

Lopetegui was sacked on Wednesday just 24 hours after it was announced he would take over at Real Madrid following the World Cup in Russia

Celades will be in the dugout on Friday when Spain open their campaign against Portugal.

On Wednesday, Spain delayed a press conference at the Krasnodar Stadium by well over an hour before Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales announced the decision.

He said:

“We have been forced to dispense with the national coach.”

“We wish him the best of luck.” Rubiales added