Spain’s Euro 2024 squad: Who has Luis de la Fuente decided to take to Germany?

La Roja is once again preparing to blend youth with experience as they aim to win their fourth European Championship this summer. The most recent golden generation of Spanish football has officially passed. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba having permanently left the national team, the last remnants of one of the greatest international teams of all time have disappeared.

But that does not mean La Roja are without talent. The most recent Nations League champions reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals with a team blending youth with experience, and although Luis Enrique has since left, his replacement – Luis de la Fuente – has maintained that philosophy since taking over.

However, they will face a battle to progress from their group, having been drawn with reigning European champions Italy and their Nations League final compatriots Croatia, meaning De la Fuente can afford no mistakes. So who has the Spanish coach decided to take to Germany?

Coach Luis de la Fuente has confirmed the strongest 26-man squad for Euro 2024 below…

GOALKEEPERS

Unai Simon was chosen as Spain’s starting goalkeeper ahead of the postponed Euro 2020 and has held this role since then, although he is currently under strong pressure from David Raya, who has improved his performances for Arsenal but may still help him win the number 1 shirt in Germany.

Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Robert Sanchez are respectively out of favor at club level for Real Madrid and Chelsea, opening up an opportunity for Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro to become the third choice.

3 goalkeepers include: David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Unai Simon (Athletic Club)

DEFENDERS

Despite moving to the Saudi Pro League, Aymeric Laporte remains Spain’s first choice in defence and looks set to be partnered with Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand in Germany.

The full-back positions also look settled, with Alejandro Grimaldo likely to be rewarded after an outstanding season at Bayer Leverkusen with a starting role on the left, while Dani Carvajal will assume his familiar role on the right.

8 defenders include: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Nacho (Real Madrid), Jesus Navas (Seville), Dani Vivian (Athletic Club)

MIDFIELDERS

There is no longer any doubt, Spain’s standout player will attend the Euro, with Rodri still the most impressive defensive midfielder around at the moment as he commands the central areas for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, occasionally popping up with a crucial goal.

Pedri, who could also contribute a lot if he can stay fit. His Barca teammate, Fermin Lopez, may also be considered, while Fabian Ruiz could play a key role following a series of impressive performances under former Spain coach Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain.

7 midfielders include: Alex Baena (Villarreal), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Pedri (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

FORWARDS

Lamine Yamal is quite comfortable, the best young player in Europe this season, but like so many of Barcelona’s new stars, will need to manage his playing time. However, he believes he should start if fit.

Meanwhile, Alvaro Morata may hold the central role, but there are questions to be answered on the left of the attack. Dani Olmo can certainly play wide, but is most effective when he drops a little deeper. That seems to open up space for Nico Williams, who has made great strides for Athletic Club this season.

Ferran Torres would probably also be considered as he has provided some timely goals for Barca this season and could be a strong option off the bench. Ayoze Perez is a surprise inclusion following a solid season at Real Betis.

8 forwards include: Joselu (Real Madrid), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ayoze Perez (Real Betis), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Club), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Predicted line-up with 4-3-3 formation

Luis De La Fuente has kept his cards close to his chest in terms of his best lineup and there seem to be only a few constants in the team. If fit, Yamal will start, as will Martin Zubimendi, Rodri and Carvajal. However, beyond that, there are no absolute guarantees.

However, this system is very clear. Head coach Luis De La Fuente is almost certain to play some variation of the 4-3-3 formation, with an established midfield trio and a fairly standard attacking setup.

Predicted Spain lineup (1-4-3-3): Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo; Rodri, Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Olmo.

Spain’s Euro 2024 Group B schedule

June 15th: Spain vs Croatia (at 23:00 at Olympiastadion, Berlin)

June 21st: Spain vs Italy (at 02:00 at Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen)

June 25th: Albania vs Spain (at 02:00 at Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig)

⚽️ UEFA Euro 1960 to 2021 with 16 tournaments and 10 national champions

⏩ Germany won the Euro 3 times (1972 – 1980 – 1996)

⏩ Spain won the Euro 3 times (1964 – 2008 – 2012)

⏩ France won the Euro 2 times (1984 – 2000)

⏩ Italy won the Euro 2 times (1968 – 2020)

⏩ Soviet Union won the Euro once in 1960

⏩ Czechoslovakia won the Euro once in 1976

⏩ Netherlands won the Euro once in 1988

⏩ Denmark won the Euro once in 1992

⏩ Greece won the Euro once in 2004

⏩ Portugal won the Euro once in 2016

With the participation of the strongest European teams according to the FIFA ranking on February 15, 2024 such as France (2nd) – England (3rd) – Belgium (4th) – Netherlands (6th) – Portugal (7th) – Spain (8th) – Italy (9th) – Croatia (10th) and bright stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku to promising young talents, Euro 2024 promises to deliver top-level and dramatic matches.

EURO 2024 will take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024 in 10 cities in Germany with 24 participating teams. The teams are divided into 6 groups to select the first and second teams in each group, and the 4 third-placed teams with the best performance to get a ticket to the knock-out round. The opening match is scheduled for June 14 between host Germany and Scotland.

⚽️ Detailed EURO 2024 match groups:

⚽️ Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland

⚽️ Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania

⚽️ Group C: England, Denmark, Serbia, Slovenia

⚽️ Group D: Poland, France, Netherlands, Austria

⚽️ Group E: Slovakia, Romania, Belgium, Ukraine

⚽️ Group F: Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic, Georgia