The Blues defender played at right-back in Geneva, just wide of Leeds United centre-back Diego Llorente, while former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata led the line.

Luis Enrique’s side started well at the Stade de Geneve, with the rhythm and speed of their play pulling Switzerland from one side to the other in the early exchanges.

La Roja’s early pressure eventually told 13 minutes into the contest, after Pablo Sarabia, who spent the 2021/22 season playing for Sporting Lisbon, slotted home from close range.

Ferran Torres was quick enough to pinch the ball high up the pitch, before feeding Marcos Llorente in behind, who put it on a plate for Sarabia. The goal did go to a VAR review, with the officials debating whether Sarabia was offside before he struck the ball into the centre of the net, but the Spaniard got the benefit of the doubt from the Dutch referee.

The visitors were by far the better side heading into half-time, dominating over 70 per cent of the ball, however the only shot on target heading into the interval was the opening goal.

Spain’s lead was a slender one ever since the second half began, with the hosts growing into the game. A great chance fell the way of Switzerland just minutes before the final whistle, after goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s long kick upfield eventually fell to Breel Embolo, whose chip drifted wide.

Though Spain’s ability to control the match by their dominance on the ball was eventually enough to secure three vital points, with Azpilicueta attempting 83 passes, a total only bettered by the other three defenders across the Spanish backline.

Left-back Marcos Alonso was an unused substitute for this one in the Swiss capital, after playing the entirety of Sunday’s draw with Czech Republic.

Spain’s final game of this international break is at home to Czech Republic on Sunday, before both Alonso and Azpilicueta can enjoy a rest from football.