Luis de la Fuente has scheduled a Friday briefing at eleven thirty to unveil the Spain men’s national team call-up list for Euro 2024 qualifiers. The matches include a showdown with Germany in Las Rozas Football City, a clash against Scotland in Seville, and a final meeting with Norway in Oslo. In the standings, Scotland leads the group with 15 points after five games, Spain sits second with 9 points and one game in hand, while Norway is third with 7 points from five matches.
Preliminary list of 49 without Sergio Ramos
The preliminary list, compiled by the Rioja native, features players who have not yet worn the national jersey. Names such as Grimaldo, Marc Roca, Isi Palazón, Álvaro Rodríguez, Barrenetxea, and Barça’s Oriol Romeu stand out. It would be surprising if many of the players followed by the national team’s coaching staff fail to make the final cut.
The return of Sergio Ramos to Sevilla does not translate into a place in this squad; he has not featured in these call-ups but has left the door ajar for a possible return. For now, De la Fuente continues to rely on defenders like Laporte, Le Normand, and David García to anchor the back line.
Indications suggest little change in the roster for upcoming matches against Georgia and Cyprus. A notable moment from recent fixtures was the breakthrough of a young Barcelona striker who became the youngest player to wear the national shirt and score. Additionally, with Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio sidelined by injuries in the first half against Georgia, Ferran and Yeremi Pino stepped in against the Cypriots. Other participants included Lamine, Abel Ruiz, and Álex Baena, who contributed in Seville.
Three goalkeepers from Lezama?
Likely choices include Unai Simón and Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. The question remains whether David Raya will continue to be evaluated, even as a squad member at Arsenal, or whether Álex Remiro could step in. Training at Lezama could yield three goalkeepers from the Basque system, although the most recent one plays for Real Sociedad. The defense is expected to repeat a trusted lineup featuring Carvajal, Le Normand, David García, Pau Torres, Laporte, and Balde, with Gayà also in consideration. The fate of César Azpilicueta, already in Diego Simeone’s plans, or Jesús Navas will be watched, given his prior involvement against PSV in Eindhoven.
In midfield, Rodri, Gavi, Mikel Merino, and Martín Zubimendi are constants, while the two spots previously held by Álex Baena and Fabián Ruiz remain open for selection. Up front, Álvaro Morata, Joselu, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal are confirmed, with the third striker role still unsettled following Abel Ruiz’s involvement against Georgia and Cyprus. Dani Olmo and Marco Asensio continue their recoveries from injuries suffered in Tbilisi. Olmo’s knee issue sidelined him for Leipzig in the recent Champions League tie with Manchester City, and Asensio was unable to feature in the later stages due to a foot injury after returning from the first half against Georgia.
Asensio rejoined the field before halftime against Georgia following a knock to his foot. He then missed the Champions League clash with Newcastle due to the ongoing recovery. The dynamic upfront remains under review as fitness and club commitments intersect with national team plans.
Alternatives in attack
De la Fuente is expected to lean on trusted players who align with his tactical vision. Among those under consideration are Ferran, who netted the decisive goal in the victory at Porto and contributed to the early tally by Mikel Oyarzabal, who has recovered fully from injury and marked a goal in Champions League play for his club. Yeremi Pino could be the wild card to complete the attack against Scotland and a Norway side featuring Haaland and Odegaard, who triumphed 2-0 in Seville, in what remains the sole setback of De la Fuente’s tenure. The possibilities also include Ansu Fati, though his starting role at Brighton has yet to be established under Roberto De Zerbi.
Overall, the coaching staff is weighing a balance of players who are in rhythm with Spain’s system and those who can provide immediate impact in key fixtures. The list will likely reflect strategic choices aimed at maintaining momentum in Group A and preparing for the toughest matches on the road.