Spain’s national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, recently announced the final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 after initially selecting a group of 29 players for friendlies. Three notable omissions from the squad were Pau Cubarsí, Marcos Llorente, and Aleix García. These players were left out as Spain prepares to face Croatia, Italy, and Albania in Group B of the tournament.
Pau Cubarsí, a talented 17-year-old Barcelona defender who impressed last season, will not be part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad. Despite his exclusion, Cubarsí may still feature for Spain at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Marcos Llorente, who previously represented Spain at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, has also been dropped from the squad. Additionally, Aleix García, who had limited appearances for his country despite his strong performances for Girona in LaLiga, will not be part of Spain’s campaign in the Euros.
Spain has a mixed history in recent international tournaments, having struggled to replicate their past successes. While they lifted the European Championship trophy in both 2008 and 2012, Spain has faced challenges in more recent competitions. The team reached the semifinals of Euro 2020 and emerged victorious in the 2023 UEFA Nations League. However, their disappointing exit in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup highlighted the need for improvement.
Real Betis forward Ayoze Pérez caught the coach’s eye with a strong showing in a recent friendly against Andorra, earning himself a spot in the final Euro 2024 squad. Similarly, Barcelona teenager Fermín López impressed enough to secure a place in the team. The inclusion of these players showcases the competitiveness and depth of Spain’s squad as they gear up for the upcoming tournament.
The final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents. Notable names like Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Álvaro Morata will be crucial to Spain’s campaign, while younger players like Fermín López and Nico Williams bring added energy and creativity to the team. The squad features a strong blend of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, providing the coach with various tactical options for the tournament.
The omission of Pau Cubarsí, Marcos Llorente, and Aleix García from Spain’s Euro 2024 squad reflects the coach’s decisions to prioritize form, experience, and tactical considerations. As Spain prepares to face tough opponents in Group B, the selected squad will need to come together cohesively to challenge for success in the tournament.