What Can You Expect From Spain At UEFA Euro 2024?
After years of mediocrity following their Euro 2012 triumph, Spain reasserted themselves in Europe with the UEFA Nations League trophy last year, beating Croatia in the finals.
Could this mark the beginning of a new era though? La Roja are entering the competition on the back of two big wins in the warmups, demolishing Andorra 5-0 before a 5-1 trouncing of Northern Ireland.
It should give Luis de la Fuente’s side confidence going into the Germany showpiece, but it’s worth noting that the former European champions don’t have an easy path to the knockout stages.
European heavyweights Croatia and Italy, the defending champions, are in the mix too, as Group B accounts for the ‘Group Of Death’. It will be interesting to see how far Spain can go this summer.
Here’s a breakdown of the Spain squad for UEFA EURO 2024.
Goalkeepers
Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon has become a fixture in goal for Spain, lately, but Arsenal star David Raya will be competing to start between the sticks. Alex Remiro of Real Sociedad could be the third-choice goalkeeper.
| Player Name | Club |
| David Raya | Arsenal |
| Alex Remiro | Real Sociedad |
| Unai Simon | Athletic Bilbao |
Defenders
Spain boast one of the best defensive lineup, featuring star players such as Daniel Carvajal, who is fresh off winning his sixth Champions League title with Real Madrid, whereas former Manchester City player Aymeric Laporte has made the cut despite plying his trade in Saudi Arabia right now. The evergreen Jesus Navas, 38, is likely to play his last major tournament with the Reds.
| Player Name | Club |
| Dani Carvajal | Real Madrid |
| Robin Le Normand | Real Sociedad |
| Nacho | Real Madrid |
| Daniel Vivian | Athletic Bilbao |
| Alex Grimaldo | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Aymeric Laporte | Al-Nassr |
| Jesus Navas | Sevilla |
| Marc Cucurella | Chelsea |
Midfielders
Rodri is perhaps the biggest name in Spain’s midfield roster heading to Germany, as the Manchester City ace brings in a wealth of experience as well as the propensity to score goals in the big games. He will most likely be joined by Mikel Merino and Pedri in midfield, whereas Dani Olmo is also gunning for a place in the XI.
| Player Name | Club |
| Mikel Merino | Real Sociedad |
| Fabian Ruiz | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Dani Olmo | RB Leipzig |
| Alex Baena | Villarreal |
| Rodri | Manchester City |
| Martin Zubimendi | Real Sociedad |
| Pedri | Barcelona |
| Fermin Lopez | Barcelona |
Also Read: France squad for UEFA EURO 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Lineup
Forwards
Atletico Madrid star Alvaro Morata is coming off the back of a 21-goal season with the side and will be a key player for them in the attack. Joselu has emerged as a menacing attacker for Real Madrid, and Spain will be hoping to see him translate that form onto the international stage too. Barcelona’s Pedri is another solid option for them upfront.
| Player Name | Club |
| Alvaro Morata | Atletico Madrid |
| Joselu | Real Madrid |
| Ferran Torres | Barcelona |
| Nico Williams | Athletic Bilbao |
| Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
| Mikel Oyarzabal | Real Sociedad |
| Ayoze Perez | Real Betis |
Predicted Lineup for Spain in UEFA Euro 2024
Spain’s starting lineup is an interesting talking point, considering the array of talents in each position.
When it comes to goalkeeper, Unai Simon seems like the first choice right now. He played in five of their eight qualifying games, as well as the semi-final and final clashes in the UEFA Nations League.
Dani Carvajal is the undisputed choice at the right-back, whereas Aymeric Laporte remains in contention to start even after his move to Saudi Arabia last summer. Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand is likely to partner with him in the center of the defense.
On the left side of their defense, Alejandro Grimaldo has certainly nailed down his spot following a spectacular campaign with Bayer Leverkusen.
In the midfield, Rodri is without a question a fixture, as his experience and talents will play a key role in dictating Spain’s tempo, while he could be joined by Barcelona star Pedri. PSG’s Fabian Ruiz is also likely to see regular game time following an impressive campaign with PSG.
Alvaro Morata is the most obvious choice to lead the attack for Spain. Mikel Oyarzabal could start on the left, with Dani Olmo on Morata’s right.
Spain Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Olmo.
Players missing for Spain in UEFA Euro 2024
Barcelona’s 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi failed to make the cut, whereas Girona’s Aleix Garcia also missed out. Marcos Llorente and Gerard Moreno are other La Liga stars who won’t be seen at the championship.
| Name | Club | Reason |
| Marcos Llorente | Atletico Madrid | Not Selected |
| Gerard Moreno | Villarreal | Injury |
| Pau Cubarsi | Barcelona | Not Selected |
| Girona’s Aleix Garcia | Girona | Not Selected |
Also Read: Spain vs Croatia Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Euro 2024