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

The most recent golden generation of Spanish football has officially passed. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba having left the national team set-up for good, the last dregs of one of the greatest international sides of all-time have disappeared.

But that doesn't mean La Roja are without talent. The most-recent Nations League winners reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 with a side that combined youth with experience, and though Luis Enrique has since moved on, his replacement - Luis de la Fuente - has maintained that philosophy since taking over the reins.

They will face a fight to make it out of their group, however, having been drawn alongside defending European champions Italy and fellow Nations League finalists Croatia, meaning De la Fuente cannot afford any missteps. So, who has the Spain boss decided to take to Germany? GOAL takes a look at La Roja's 26-strong squad below...

  • Unai SimonGetty

    GOALKEEPERS

    Unai Simon was installed as Spain's starting goalkeeper ahead of the delayed Euro 2020, and has kept the role ever since, though he is now coming under strong pressure from David Raya, whose improved performances for Arsenal could yet earn him the No.1 shirt in Germany.

    Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Robert Sanchez have fallen out of favour at club level for Real Madrid and Chelsea, respectively, opening the door for uncapped Real Sociedad 'keeper Alex Remiro to become third-choice.

    NameClub
    David RayaArsenal
    Alex RemiroReal Sociedad
    Unai SimonAthletic Club
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  • Dani Carvajal Spain 2023Getty

    DEFENDERS

    Despite moving to the Saudi Pro League, Aymeric Laporte remains first-choice at the back for Spain, and looks set to be partnered by Real Sociedad's Robin Le Normand in Germany.

    The full-back positions also look settled, with Alejandro Grimaldo likely to be rewarded for his superb season at Bayer Leverkusen with a starting role on the left, while Dani Carvajal will take up his usual role on the right flank.

    NameClub
    Dani CarvajalReal Madrid
    Marc CucurellaChelsea
    Alejandro GrimaldoBayer Leverkusen
    Aymeric LaporteAl-Nassr
    Robin Le NormandReal Sociedad
    NachoReal Madrid
    Jesus NavasSevilla
    Dani VivianAthletic Club
  • Rodri Spain 2023-24Getty Images

    MIDFIELDERS

    There's no question who Spain's best player is heading into the Euros, with Rodri remaining the most impressive defensive midfielder in the game right now as he bosses central areas for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, while also popping up with an occasional important goal.

    Pedri who could also offer so much if he can stay healthy. His Barca team-mate Fermin Lopez may also get a look, while Fabian Ruiz could have an important role to play after a series of impressive showings for former Spain boss Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain.

    NameClub
    Alex BaenaVillarreal
    Fermin LopezBarcelona
    Mikel MerinoReal Sociedad
    PedriBarcelona
    RodriManchester City
    Fabian RuizParis Saint-Germain
    Martin ZubimendiReal Sociedad
  • Lamine Yamal Spain 2023Getty

    FORWARDS

    Lamine Yamal has been, quite comfortably, the best young player in Europe this season, but like so many Barcelona starlets, will need to see his game time managed. Still, he figures to be a must-start if fit.

    Alvaro Morata will likely have the central role nailed down, meanwhile, but there are questions to answer on the left-hand side of the forward line. Dani Olmo can certainly play out wide, but is at his most effective slightly tucked in. That would seem to open up space for Nico Williams, who has improved immensely for Athletic Club this season.

    Ferran Torres will perhaps get a look, too, as he's provided some timely goals for Barca this season, and could be a strong option off the bench. Ayoze Perez was a surprise inclusion following a solid season at Real Betis.

    NameClub
    JoseluReal Madrid
    Alvaro MorataAtletico Madrid
    Dani OlmoRB Leipzig
    Mikel OyarzabalReal Sociedad
    Ayoze Perez Real Betis
    Ferran TorresBarcelona
    Nico WilliamsAthletic Club
    Lamine YamalBarcelona
  • Luis de la Fuente EspañaGetty Images

    EXPECTED XI

    De La Fuente has kept his cards close to his chest in terms of selecting his best XI, and there seems to only be a few constants in the line-up. If he is healthy, Yamal will start, as will Martin Zubimendi, Rodri and Carvajal. Outside of that, though, there are no absolute guarantees.

    The system is clear, though. The manager is almost-certain to play some variation of a 4-3-3, with a recognised midfield trio and fairly standard attacking set-up.

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

  • GaviGetty Images

    NOTABLE ABSENTEES

    Spain will be without two key players for the tournament.

    Gavi would have played almost every minute but an ACL tear - sustained on Spain duty in October - has ruled him out. Fellow La Masia graduate, Alejandro Balde, who was expected to challenge for the left-back berth, is also absent undergoing surgery on a serious muscle tear in January.

    De La Fuente has also sprung a few surprises. Aleix Garcia was one of the key players in Girona's remarkable Liga campaign but the midfielder did not make the final cut - nor did Pedro Porro and Pau Torres, who were among the best defenders in the Premier League in 2023-24.

    Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, was the omission of Pau Cubarsi. De La Fuente has spoken glowingly of Barcelona's other teenage sensation but the coach has decided that the tournament has come too soon for the centre-back.

    NameClubReason
    Alejandro BaldeBarcelonaInjury
    GaviBarcelonaInjury
    Pau TorresAston VillaNot selected
    Pedro Porro TottenhamNot selected