Euro 2016 Preview - Spain

Team: Spain

Manager: Vicente del Bosque

Group: Group D

Other teams in group: Czech Republic, Turkey & Croatia

THE SQUAD

There has been much talk about this Spanish side and wether they can emulate the previous two squads (2012 & 2008) that went home with the silverware. Although there is a few names missing - the likes of Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Silva -this current side is still littered with amazing talent.

Their defence is as solid as they come, Spain kept 8 clean sheets in a row in qualifying and it will more than likely be the same back four of Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Juanfran that will be a mainstay throughout the tournament.

Del Bosque has an abundance of talent to choose from in midfield. Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta will almost be certain in the starting eleven but it could be any of the others in the squad that could start along side the Barcelona duo. 

They will more than likely line up with just one centre forward and it seems Del Bosque probably isn't too sure himself who he will use. The main two in contention will be Artiz Aduriz and Alvaro Morata, with the latter probably just edging him but it might be in Del Bosque’s plans to use both if Spain are to progress to the latter stages.

The squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).

Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Man City), Pedro (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)

Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Lucas Vasquez (Real Madrid)

HOW THEY GOT HERE 

Spain had an early scare in their qualifying campaign when they were beaten 2-1 to Slovakia on the second match day. This also ended a 36 match unbeaten run in World Cup or Euro qualifiers for the current holders.

This early defeat was only to be a blip for them as they won their remaining 8 fixtures while also keeping 8 consecutive clean sheets to top the group by 5 points ahead of Slovakia.

Paco Alcácer was Spain’s top goalscorer in qualifying with 5 goals but was ultimately left out of the squad travelling to France.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

WHERE THEY ARE PLAYING AND STAYING

13th June: Spain v Czech Republic - Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

17th June: Spain v Turkey - Stade de Nice, Nice

21st June: Croatia v Spain - Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Spain are based on the island of Ile de Re, which is connected to the mainland of France by a bridge to La Rochelle on the West Coast. They will be using the Complete Sportif Marcel Gaillard for their training camp.

THREE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE TEAM

Spain made history when they won back to back European Championships in 2008 and 2012 respectively, becoming the first country to do so. 

Spain are joint record holders of the competition with Germany, they have both won it three times. 

There is only 5 players remaining in this squad that was in Spain’s squad that won in 2008 (Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Iniesta, David Silva & Fabregas)

THEIR RECENT FORM

Spain 3-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina

Spain 6-1 Korea Republic

Spain 0-1 Georgia

First game: 13 June vs Czech Republic KO 15.00 (Stadium Municipal, Toulouse)