The Spanish national team’s March 2023 call-ups and the new coaching setup
A new coach is set to release his first roster for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with matches against Norway and Scotland lined up in March. Spain appoints a fresh leadership team as the national side moves into a new project under Luis de la Fuente following the resignation of Luis Enrique Martinez after Spain was eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Squad list for Spain under Luis de la Fuente for March 2023 qualifiers against Norway and Scotland
De la Fuente has been in charge since December but his first full roster will be drafted in March, with a squad size ranging from 23 to 26 players. The selection will be finalised publicly on Friday, March 17, a few days before players begin concentration on Monday, March 20.
The latest squad planning was carried out under the previous coach for the 2022 World Cup, which included the following players:
keepers: Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez and David Raya.
defenders: Carvajal, Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Hugo Guillamon, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, and Bucket.
midfielders: Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Carlos Soler, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, and Cook.
forwards: Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, Jeremy Pino, Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Pablo Sarabia, Dani Olmo, and Ansu Fati.
There are clear signs of changes ahead, including the possibility of Sergio Ramos not returning to the national team after a decision communicated by the new coach. Ramos has stated his decision to step away after being told of the new plans, indicating a shift in the player pool.
Expected developments may bring back players who had a significant impact at youth levels, such as Kepa, Fabian, or Ceballos. Nationalized players like Le Normand and Chimy Ávila, who are on the shortlist, could also feature. Experienced options such as Borja Iglesias or Iago Aspas may reappear as well.
What matches and when will the Spanish national team play in March 2023
The Spanish squad begins the Euro 2024 qualifying phase under the new leadership with games in March. They kick off on March 25 at La Rosaleda in Malaga against Norway, a side featuring Haaland and Odegaard. On March 28 they travel to Glasgow to face Scotland at Hampden Park. Spain sits in Group A alongside Scotland, Norway, Georgia, and Cyprus.
Luis de la Fuente’s coaching staff with the Spanish national team
Together with Luis de la Fuente, several new members join the technical team for the national squad:
Paul Love. Serving as the second coach for de la Fuente. Former player with Sporting de Gijón, Deportivo de la Coruña, Valladolid, and Zaragoza, he has led the Under-18 side until now.
Carlo Cruz. Appointed as physical trainer. With the RFEF since 2019, he has supported de la Fuente previously with the Under-21 team in this role.
Miguel Angel Spain. The goalkeeper coach. His playing career included Rayo Vallecano, Hércules, Alicante, and Orihuela, holding coaching duties across multiple divisions since joining the RFEF in 2006.
Juanjo Gonzalez. Assistant technician. He joined Sporting de Gijón’s first team after leaving Mareo and has been part of de la Fuente’s setup since the Under-21 era.
Javier Lopez Vallejo. Psychologist for the senior squad. A former goalkeeper for Osasuna and Villarreal, he has also served in the women’s absolute team in a similar capacity.
Pablo Pena. Analyst for the Spanish national team, continuing a trusted collaboration with de la Fuente across the country’s youth and senior programs.