Spain Euro 2024 Squad: For the first time, since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we are heading into the international break in the current football calendar later this month. Spain, under their new head coach Luis de la Fuente, named his squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro qualifiers against Norway and Scotland, making some interesting additions. The Spanish coach has recalled Iago Aspas and Nacho Fernandez, however, Barcelona star Jordi Alba is being overlooked. Follow Football LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
Former Spain under-21 coach took charge of the La Roja side after Spain’s shocking Round of 16 exit against Morocco in the Qatar World Cup, under coach Luis Enrique.
Spain Euro 2024 Squad: Barcelona veteran Jordi Alba IGNORED by new Manager De la Fuente, teammates Torres, Fati, Garcia also OVERLOOKED as Spain announce 26-man squad – Check Out
Spain Euro 2024 Squad: Barcelona veteran Jordi Alba IGNORED by new Manager De la Fuente, teammates Torres, Fati, Garcia also OVERLOOKED as Spain announce 26-man squad – Check Out
Barcelona had the most representations in the World Cup as eight players took the trip to Qatar, however, saw just three players being named by Luis Enrique’s successor De la Fuente this time, as left-back Alejandro Balde, alongside midfielder Gavi and Pedri made the cut. Veteran left-back Jordi Alba, fellow defender Eric Garcia, and forwards Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres did not make it into the squad.
The omission of forwards Fati and Torres seems justifiable given their lack of playing time in recent times. However, it was anticipated Alba to take over captaincy duties following the retirement of Sergio Busquets.
Kepa has been called up to the Spain squad whilst De Gea has been left out 👀 pic.twitter.com/Fs1cblEwiP
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) March 17, 2023
For Real Madrid, the defensive duo of Dani Carvajal and Nacho Fernandez have both been selected while Dani Ceballos makes a return to the team. Midfielder Ceballos is enjoying his time under the Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti, given his rise since the turn of the year, while Nacho’s inclusion is the highlight, given he was axed numerous times by previous manager Luis Enrique.
Alvaro Morata is the only representation from the other side of Madrid, as his Atletico Madrid teammates such as Koke, and Marcos Llorente omitted.
Spain Euro 2024 Squad: Barcelona veteran Jordi Alba IGNORED by new Manager De la Fuente, teammates Torres, Fati, Garcia also OVERLOOKED as Spain announce 26-man squad – Check Out
De le Fuente made a few surprising inclusions as Bryan Gil and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga were included. Meanwhile, after a series of good performances Osasuna’s David Garcia finally makes it into the squad to earn his first Spain call-up, also, Espanyol striker Joselu is another uncapped player in the 26-man squad.
Spain will start the qualifiers’ journey against Norway at Malaga, and three days later face Scotland away at Hampden Park. La Roja are drawn in Group A of the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers with Cyprus and Georgia being the other teams.
Here is the list of the 26-man Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Robert Sanchez, David Raya.
Defenders: Jose Gaya, Alejandro Balde, Aymeric Laporte, Inigo Martinez, Nacho Fernandez, David Garcia, Pedro Porro, Dani Carvajal.
Midfielders: Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Ceballos, Pedri.
Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Bryan Gil, Mikel Oyarzabal, Iago Aspas, Joselu, Gerard Moreno.