Having been rested in Spain's final group game – La Roja had already secured their place in the knockout stage – the Chelsea full-back was one of ten players to return to Luis de la Fuente's side.

That rotation had the desired effect as a dominant 90-minute performance was produced by Spain in Düsseldorf. They recorded 35 shots, 13 of which were on target, and had 75 per cent possession.

And yet despite those impressive statistics, Georgia had taken the lead in the 18th minute when a counter-attack ended with Otar Kakabadze’s cross from the right being diverted into his own net by Robin Le Normand.

Going behind didn't hinder Spain's threat and they continued to bombard the Georgia goal, with Cucurella among those to force a save from the impressive Giorgi Mamardashvili.

But Spain's equaliser arrived six minutes before the break when Manchester City midfielder Rodri shifted the ball onto his left foot just outside the box and sent a low drive into the far, bottom corner.

La Roja then took the lead six minutes into the second period when 16-year-old Lamine Yamal sent in an excellent inswinging cross and Fabian Ruiz was free to nod in from close range.

With Spain firmly in control, Cucurella was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark. Bundesliga winner Alex Grimaldo was his replacement.

Spain created chance after chance to add a third. It eventually came with 15 minutes to play from the fleet-footed Nico Williams, who raced onto a long pass forward from Fabian Ruiz, beat defender Giorgi Gvelesiani, and then fired a shot into the roof of the net.

Dani Olmo added a fourth soon after as Spain opened up an advantage their dominance on the night deserved. They will next take on hosts Germany for a place in the semi-finals.