Spain have named a 27-man squad for Nations League matches against the Czech Republic and England.
Three players earn first call-ups
Six players who were not selected in September have been brought into the squad. Alvaro Valles, Marc Roca and Jacobo Ramon have been included for the first time. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said of the centre-back: “He is having a wonderful season, and we believe the time is right to give him the chance and watch him.”
De la Fuente said of Roca: “He has already won the European Under-21 Championship, and he deserved this chance thanks to his ability and the level he provides.”
Returns and injury changes
Ander Barrenetxea and Pablo Barrios have returned to the Spain squad. Joan Garcia has returned from injury in place of Josep Martinez, while Victor Munoz was omitted. Eric Garcia, Rodri and Dani Olmo are missing because of injury.
De la Fuente said of Barrenetxea: “He is a player with a big future, and he fits the requirements we impose on our wide players. For now, it is Ander's turn.”
Four goalkeepers included
De la Fuente said: “David Raya has some personal matters in England, and we do not know whether he will be able to attend on Tuesday or Wednesday, but we also believe the time is right to see Álvaro Vallés, whom we have been following for some time.”
Plans for the matches and other decisions
Spain face the Czech Republic on 12 November and England. Rodri’s injury gives Martín Zubimendi a bigger role, although Zubimendi is not getting the minutes he would like at Arsenal. De la Fuente said: “No player will feature for more than 180 minutes this time. Well, perhaps the duration will increase a little, because matches now tend to run longer.”
He added: “They are two decisive matches, and we have a lot to play for. Our idea is to field the best players in both matches,” De la Fuente also said: “We always try to distribute the playing minutes among the players as much as possible, but we are aware that we are competing for top spot in the group, in order to reach the quarter-final in the best possible shape.”
On the discussion over Spain hosting the 2030 World Cup final, De la Fuente said: “What I see is that the World Cup final must be held in Spain. As for my task now, it is to prepare the best possible team, and the officials concerned can handle the rest.” He also said: “The Ballon d'Or award was a source of exceptional happiness for me. I already felt fortunate just to be among the nominees,” Gavi was left out for the second time running since the World Cup. De la Fuente said: “Gavi always deserves an exception. It is extremely difficult to join this group. Gavi must continue being himself. He has to keep developing, just as everyone has to do.”
