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

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, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Robert Sanchez having 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.

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 set to be rewarded for his superb season at Bayer Leverkusen with a starting role on the left, while Dani Carvajal remains ahead of Tottenham’s Pedro Porro in the pecking order on the right – with the Spurs man not even making the provisional squad.

There is space for Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi, though, who earned his first senior call-up for the March friendlies against Colombia and Brazil after impressing following his breakthrough in Catalunya.

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 be rewarded for a series of impressive showings for former Spain boss Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain.

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.

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 fit, Yamal will certainly 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.

Spain will be without two key players for the tournament. Gavi would be certain to play almost every minute, but an ACL tear – sustained on Spain duty in October – will see him sit it out.

Fellow La Masia graduate, Alejandro Balde, who figured to challenge starting left-back spot, is also out after undergoing surgery on a serious muscle tear in January. The two biggest snubs are Pedro Porro and Pau Torres, who were among the best defenders in the Premier League in 2023-24.