Sixty-one days after Ferran Torres' goal helped Spain lift its second World Cup title, Luis de la Fuente has named his first squad since that triumph. The presentation carried an emotional tribute to Ceuta as its central theme, and the roster itself reflects months of careful balancing between club form and international performances.
There are four changes from the World Cup-winning squad, one in each position group, though the core of the team remains largely intact.
Mixed news for Real Madrid and Barcelona
Carlos Espí has made a positive impact since his surprise move to Real Madrid, mostly off the bench, but that hasn't been enough to earn him a first call-up. Dean Huijsen, however, gets the nod on the back of strong performances for Madrid, joining Marc Cucurella as the club's two representatives in the squad.
Barcelona supplies seven players to the roster. Among them is Fermín López, who returns in midfield in place of Gavi. Fermín had become one of De la Fuente's regulars before an injury interrupted his run, and a strong start to the new season has been enough to restore his place.
There's also a goalkeeping change forced by injury: Joan García's knee problem opened the door for Inter Milan's Josep Martínez, who gets his first senior call-up after edging out Mallorca's Leo Román.
Roberto Fernández wins a crowded striker race
Up front, Espanyol's Roberto Fernández is the standout surprise, earning his first senior call-up after Borja Iglesias' recent injury problems opened up competition for the spot.
Fernández and Rayo Vallecano's Sergio Camello had emerged as the leading contenders as Spain's top domestic scorers in LaLiga, each with six goals. Fulham's Gonzalo García, captain of Spain's Under-21 side, had also strengthened his case, while Real Madrid's Espí impressed with a run of crucial late contributions. In the end, Fernández got the call, while Espí will instead join Spain's U21 squad.
Elsewhere, the versatility of Marc Pubill and Eric García, both able to play centrally or at right back, gives De la Fuente extra flexibility while keeping the rest of the back line largely unchanged.
Nations League schedule
Spain begins the defense of its Nations League title with four matches over three weeks. Players report for camp on Tuesday.
- Sept. 26: England, at Wembley Stadium in London
- Sept. 29: Croatia, in Seville
- Oct. 3: Czech Republic, in Oviedo
- Oct. 6: Croatia, in Split
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Josep Martínez.
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo.
Midfielders: Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Fermín López, Dani Olmo.
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Víctor Muñoz, Nico Williams, Álex Baena, Yeremy Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Roberto Fernández.
