La Rojita in Romania and Georgia for the European Under 21 Championship
The narrative follows the Spain Under-21 team as it travels through Romania and Georgia for the continental championship. Led by Santi Denia, the coaching chair now sits with a former defender who progressed from the youth ranks to the top level of the game. The aim is clear to reach the farthest stage possible in a tournament Spain has claimed five times, sharing the all time tally with Italy as the most decorated nation in the competition.
Direct coverage is available for the Spain Under-21 against the Ukraine Under-21 in the European Championship semi finals. This match is part of a critical run toward the final stages of the tournament with Spain seeking another strong showing on the continental stage.
Santi Denia steps into the spotlight as the new Spain Under-21 coach, bringing a wealth of experience from former roles and a long association with the national system. His leadership marks a new chapter for La Rojita as they navigate group play and knockout fixtures in the European Under-21 format.
Spain’s Schedule and Group
Spain currently competes in Group B of the 2023 European Under-21 Championship. The group includes Romania, Ukraine and Croatia. The schedule unfolds with key dates and stadiums across the host cities in Romania:
Wednesday, June 21 Romania 0 3 Spain at Steaua Stadium in Bucharest
Saturday, June 24 Spain 1 0 Croatia at Giulesti Stadium in Bucharest
Tuesday, June 27 Spain 2 2 Ukraine at Giulesti Stadium in Bucharest
Saturday, July 1 Spain 2 1 Switzerland at Giulesti Stadium in Bucharest
Wednesday, July 5 Spain 5 1 Ukraine in the semi final at Steaua Stadium in Bucharest
Saturday, July 8 England v Spain at Batumi Arena in Batumi
Spain Under-21 Performance in Euro 2023
The campaign for the 2023 edition of the European Under-21 Championship features a mix of tested veterans and rising talents. The tournament format emphasizes group stage performance followed by knockout rounds, with Spain aiming to showcase depth across positions and a cohesive style of play that has become the hallmark of Denia’s teams.
Coaching Staff and Transition
In the wake of changes at the senior level, a restructuring within the Royal Spanish Football Federation brought Santi Denia into the Under-21 role after a rapid progression through youth national teams. Previously a versatile defender during his playing days, Denia’s coaching career began in development roles before taking charge of the Under-17 side and later the Under-19 squad. His playing background included important spells with his home club and a prominent period with another major Spanish side, offering a blend of domestic familiarity and top level coaching insight.
Denia’s ascent was marked by a steady rise through the federation ranks. After earlier responsibilities in football management and interim duties, he assumed leadership of the Spain Under-21 team to guide the players through the European Championship that begins in June 2023. His track record as a player and coach informs a practical approach focused on organization, tactical flexibility, and a strong team ethos that translates to the competitive environment of the tournament.
Spain’s 2023 Under-21 Roster
The roster features a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards, with selections balancing experience and youth. The group includes keepers Julen Agirrezabala, Leo Román and Arnau Tenas, who bring a variety of club experiences to the squad. In defense, players such as Arnau Martínez and Víctor Gómez contribute consistency, joined by others who add depth and versatility at the back.
The midfield group combines players like Antonio Blanco and Gabri Veiga, offering technical ability and dynamic movement. Forwards include Ander Barrenetxea, Rodri Sánchez and Rodrigo Riquelme, among others who have shown potential at club level to impact the tournament. This roster reflects a broad scouting scope and a clear plan to maximize attacking options while maintaining defensive solidity.
Notes on the squad indicate a boundary of traditional outfield roles and a focus on balance across the field. The pool of players is designed to deliver a combination of creative playmaking and disciplined defending as the team pursues success in continental competition.
The information reflects the status of the Spain Under-21 program during the 2023 European Championship cycle and highlights the ongoing evolution of Spain’s youth development pathway within the national team structure.