La Roja are on the move for their Euro 2024 campaign as they seek redemption on the continental stage. The past few years haven’t been so kind to them since their Euro 2012 triumph, but they look poised to make a statement in Germany this summer. Fans intending to watch the games can expect Spain tickets to be in high demand as they hope to become the first team to win four European Championships.
Spain will face a stiff test early on in the group stage, however, with defending champions Italy and dark horse Croatia standing in their way. While they are considered favorites to win the group and are among the top contenders to win it all this year, Spain might have to work twice as hard to be crowned champions of Europe. Nevertheless, they boast a team of fine talents that will be up to the challenge at Euro 2024.
After listing a provisional squad last month, Luis de la Fuente has announced his final roster ahead of the tournament set to kick off on June 14. Like we’ve seen in previous Spain teams in recent times, de la Fuente will have a mix of young talents and experience at his disposal, with a few important names missing out. Here, we examine Spain’s official squad list, including de la Fuente’s potential starting XI.
Gavi, Balde Miss Out Through Injury
La Roja was dealt two big blows last season when Barcelona sensations Gavi and Alejandro Balde sustained season-ending injuries. Gavi suffered a torn ACL on his right knee in October while on international duty against Georgia, leaving his participation at this year’s Euros in doubt. He missed Barcelona’s remaining 36 games and is set to return to training on June 30, during the concluding phase of the Euros. The 19-year-old has been a key component of Spain’s midfield and has been praised for his creativity and vision, and his partnership with Pedri has been reminiscent of Spain’s iconic midfield duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
Gavi’s fellow La Masia graduate and Barca teammate Balde will also not be on the flight to Germany as he continues to recover from an injury to his right hamstring tendon sustained during a Copa Del Rey game vs Athletic Bilbao on January 24. Balde has been impressive at left-back for both club and country, but the 20-year-old has been forced to sit out the Euros while focusing on his fitness ahead of next season.
Other notable absentees include Girona’s Aleix Garcia, which has come as a surprise to many considering his breakout season in La Liga this season. Luis de la Fuente has also left out Pedro Porro and Pau Torres from his squad despite their stellar campaign in the Premier League this season. Porro’s defensive contributions helped Aston Villa clinch a Champions League spot for the first time since the competition was rebranded in 1992, while Torres was also a solid piece for Tottenham on defense this season.
Perhaps the most shocking omission from the final squad is Barça’s center-back sensation, Pau Cubarsi. Despite heaps of praise for the 17-year-old, de la Fuente won’t be taking him along with the team to Germany.
La Roja’s 26-man Roster for Euro 2024
Unai Simon is expected to start in front of goal for Spain at the Euros, edging out Arsenal’s David Raya and Aleix Romeiro. The Athletic Club No. 1 has been Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper since the start of Euro 2021 and will keep his role under de la Fuente. Spain’s head coach has opted to exclude Kepa Arrizabalaga and Robert Sanchez from the final list, with both keepers struggling for minutes for Real Madrid and Chelsea, respectively.
Spain’s defense will consist of former Manchester City center-back Aymeric Laporte. Despite his move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, he remains de la Fuente’s preferred pick at center-back. The 30-year-old will be paired with Real Sociedad’s Robin le Normand, who gets the nod ahead of Athletic Bilbao’s Dani Vivian. Alejandro Grimaldo enjoyed a breakout campaign for Bayer Leverkusen this season and has been given the nod to start on the left flank, while six-time Champions League winner Dani Carvajal will assume his customary role at right-back. Completing de la Fuente’s list of defenders will be Marc Cucurella, Nacho, Jesus Navas, and the aforementioned Vivian.
La Roja’s midfield will be their greatest strength as has been the case over the years, with none other than Rodri leading the charge. The Manchester City defensive midfielder is one of the best players in the world right now, and his versatility and accurate passing ability have been compared to Barça legend Sergio Busquets’ style of play. He will undoubtedly be Spain’s most important player at the Euros.
Rodri will enjoy the company of Pedri in midfield. Despite his struggles with injury, the 2022 Golden Boy winner remains one of the finest midfielders in the game right now. Another illustrious graduate from Barça’s legendary La Masia Academy, Pedri embodies Spain’s midfield identity that football fans all over the world have grown fond of. His ability to cut through defenders plus his passing prowess is reminiscent of Andres Iniesta, and he could add some creativity to the midfield as long as he remains fit. Barça could yet again be well represented, with Fermin Lopez potentially rounding up the midfield trio. However, Fabian Ruiz is also a worthy candidate to start for La Roja after his incredible displays for PSG last season. Real Sociedad pair Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi will also represent Spain this summer together with Villarreal’s Alex Baena.
Luis de la Fuente has quite several options on offense, and has listed Barça forward Lamine Yamal on the list. The 16-year-old is considered the best young player in Europe right now and has been greeted with a standing ovation from spectators several times this year. While Spain and Barça will be cautious to keep his minutes under control, Yamal is expected to start for La Roja at right wing, with Real Betis forward Ayoze Perez likely to take the back seat.
RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo should start on the left, although Nico Williams could get the nod as well. Mikel Oyarzabal is another option for de la Fuente on the left wing, although he is most likely to start on the bench. Veteran forward Alvaro Morata is set to retain his spot at center forward, with Real Madrid’s Joselu and Barça’s Ferran Torres coming in as subs.
