This new era for the Spanish football team begins this Friday in Las Rozas. Luis de la Fuente will make the announcement at 11:30, outlining the first call as manager for two qualifying matches for the 2024 European Championship: on March 25 against Norway in Málaga, and on March 28 against Scotland in Glasgow.
The list, which he will explain at a press conference starting at 12:30, marks a significant moment. It centers on the competitive path forward and signals a deliberate shift in approach under de la Fuente.
Officially, only a few details are known. It is clear that Sergio Ramos will not be part of the plans, and there is no discussion about his retirement following the World Cup. The fate of other veteran players like César Azpilicueta, Koke Resurrección, Álvaro Morata, and Jordi Alba remains undecided, and questions linger about who will wear the captain’s armband this cycle.
Sergio Ramos: a need to recalibrate the squad’s dynamics—“De la Fuente won’t rely on me”
Sergio R. Vinas
Even if a handful of longtime call-ups from the previous era are retained, the squad must decide which younger players deserve a spot and who will step up as alternatives. It’s a cross-generational bet that the new coach appears prepared to advance, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor while expanding the pool of options.
Goalkeepers
Unai Simón’s place is widely considered secure as the favored stopper for the national team, though it remains to be seen whether he will maintain the starting role through the World Cup cycle. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who played last in October 2020 and recently returned to Chelsea, holds a strong credential to press for time. The third option is clearer now: De la Fuente could trust David Raya or Robert Sánchez, place his bets on Álex Remiro, or even reintegrate David de Gea, who has drifted from the national team fold since 2020.
The goalkeeper position thus presents several clear paths. The coach may preserve his prior trust in Raya or Sánchez, consider Remiro, and weigh a comeback for De Gea if the circumstances demand a different profile between the posts.
Defenders
The defensive line is filled with questions. De la Fuente will not be able to count on Robin Le Normand for the opening camp due to citizenship issues. The presence of Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, and Alejandro Balde adds experience and skill, yet there is a sense of a transitional moment as younger players push for opportunities. On the right flank, Pedro Porro appears primed to push into a regular role, while César Azpilicueta’s position seems to be narrowing with time.
In the center, candidates abound: Iñigo Martínez, Hugo Guillamón, Eric García, Diego Llorente, Yeray Álvarez, David García, and Nacho Fernández all surface as possibilities. It is clear that Ramos will not be considered. With Jordi Alba facing reduced involvement, options for the left-back slot include Marc Cucurella, José Luis Gayà, and Fran García as the chief contenders to complement Balde.
Midfielders
One certainty is the absence of Busquets, signaling a new midfield dynamic. The core trio of Rodrigo Hernández, Pedri González, and Pablo Gavi is expected to persist, while Martín Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz appear likely to join. Beyond that core, several spots are open as younger talents vie for minutes and establishing a long-term balance in midfield becomes a priority.
Dani Ceballos’ status is uncertain, and he may face healthy competition from candidates like Mikel Merino. Koke and Marcos Llorente also remain in contention, with the athletic captain providing leadership. Could Gabriel Veiga seize a breakthrough opportunity at the senior level? Carlos Soler’s ticket appears more limited, and Oihan Sancet could emerge as a surprising choice.
Forwards
The big question in attack is how de la Fuente will shape the middle forward position. The possible omission of Álvaro Morata would be notable, yet there are several candidates ready to step in: Borja Iglesias, Joselu Mato, Iago Aspas, Chimy Ávila, and even Abel Ruiz. The potential for a mix of experience and fresh energy remains high.
The attack could see the Celta captain and a strong pool of wingers join forces with Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal, who has recovered from a serious knee injury. Marco Asensio, Yéremi Pino, Ansu Fati, Brahim Díaz, Nico Williams, and Ferran Torres are among those with genuine chances too. Pablo Sarabia faces stiffer competition, reflecting the breadth of options available to the coach in this phase.