Spain Euro 2024 squad Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-Final match between Spain and France
Spain Euro 2024 squad Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-Final match between Spain and France

Spain Euro 2024 Squad: Analyzing La Roja’s Path to the Final and Key Players

Spain has emerged as a dominant force in Euro 2024, defying initial expectations and showcasing their exceptional quality throughout the tournament. As they gear up for Sunday’s final, the Spain Euro Squad has a golden opportunity to emulate the triumphs of their predecessors in 2008 and 2012. Entering Euro 2024, doubts lingered about Spain’s defense and attacking prowess, with questions surrounding the manager’s experience at the highest level. However, La Roja has emphatically silenced critics, proving to be the most impressive team in the competition.

Across six compelling matches, the Spain Euro squad has demonstrated remarkable skill and tactical flexibility. Standout performances from players like Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Aymeric Laporte have underscored their world-class abilities. Even Marc Cucurella, often a target of criticism, has enjoyed a resurgence, becoming a key figure in Spain’s defense during this tournament.

Now, only England stands between Spain and the coveted European Championship trophy. The final showdown at Berlin’s Olympiastadion promises to be a captivating clash of styles, with Spain’s intricate possession-based game facing England’s dynamic and direct approach.

Spain’s journey to the final has been remarkably smooth. Despite an initially challenging group stage draw, they navigated it with ease. A resounding 3-0 victory against Croatia set the tone, followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Italy, securing their place in the knockout stages as group winners. This ensured Spain topped their group, capitalizing on Croatia and Albania’s draw which highlighted the importance of head-to-head records in Euro 2024 tie-breakers.

Even with significant squad rotation in their final group game against Albania, the Spain Euro squad maintained their winning momentum. Manager Luis de la Fuente’s strategic changes ensured key players were rested and refreshed for the knockout rounds. This foresight paid dividends in the Round of 16 clash against Georgia, where a well-prepared Spain cruised to victory.

Spain Euro 2024 squad Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-Final match between Spain and FranceSpain Euro 2024 squad Luis de la Fuente, Head Coach of Spain, gestures during the UEFA EURO 2024 Semi-Final match between Spain and France

The quarter-final against Germany proved to be a sterner test, stretching into extra time. However, the Spain Euro squad demonstrated resilience and depth. Dani Olmo’s opening goal was eventually canceled out by the hosts, fueled by their home support. Yet, Mikel Merino emerged as the hero in extra time, heading home the decisive goal that propelled Spain into the semi-finals, reinforcing the perception that destiny might be on their side in this tournament.

In the semi-final against France, the Spain Euro squad displayed remarkable composure. Overcoming an early 1-0 deficit, they responded swiftly with a stunning strike from Lamine Yamal from outside the box. Dani Olmo then secured the victory with a 25th-minute winner. This comeback was even more impressive considering Spain was without key defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, highlighting the squad’s depth and mental fortitude.

Spain Euro 2024 Squad: The Complete 26-Man Roster

The Spain Euro squad boasts a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young talents. Here’s a detailed look at the 26 players representing Spain at Euro 2024:

Goalkeepers:

  • Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)
  • David Raya (Arsenal)
  • Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders:

  • Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
  • Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr)
  • Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
  • Daniel Vivian (Athletic Bilbao)
  • Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
  • Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
  • Nacho (Real Madrid)
  • Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad)

Midfielders:

  • Alex Baena (Villarreal)
  • Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)
  • Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
  • Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad)
  • Pedri (Barcelona)
  • Rodri (Manchester City)

Forwards:

  • Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)
  • Ayoze Perez (Real Betis)
  • Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig)
  • Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
  • Joselu (Real Madrid)
  • Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
  • Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
  • Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Spain Euro 2024 Squad Numbers

No. Player Pos
1 David Raya GK
2 Dani Carvajal DF
3 Robin Le Normand DF
4 Daniel Vivian DF
5 Nacho DF
6 Mikel Merino MF
7 Alvaro Morata FW
8 Fabian Ruiz MF
9 Ayoze Perez FW
10 Dani Olmo FW
11 Ferran Torres FW
12 Alex Grimaldo DF
13 Alex Remiro GK
14 Aymeric Laporte DF
15 Alex Baena MF
16 Rodri MF
17 Nico Williams FW
18 Martin Zubimendi MF
19 Lamine Yamal FW
20 Pedri MF
21 Mikel Oyarzabal FW
22 Jesus Navas DF
23 Unai Simon GK
24 Marc Cucurella DF
25 Fermin Lopez MF
26 Joselu FW

Spain’s Euro 2024 Fixtures and Results

The Spain Euro squad‘s journey through Euro 2024 has been marked by impressive victories and compelling performances:

  • June 15: Spain 3-0 Croatia
  • June 20: Spain 1-0 Italy
  • June 24: Albania 0-1 Spain
  • June 30: Spain 4-1 Georgia
  • July 5: Spain 2-1 (a.e.t) Germany
  • July 9: Spain 2-1 France
  • July 14: Spain vs England

Spain Euro 2024 Top Scorers

  • 3 goals: Dani Olmo
  • 2 goals: Fabian Ruiz
  • 1 goal: Alvaro Morata, Dani Carvajal, Ferran Torres, Rodri, Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal

Spain Euro 2024 Yellow Cards and Suspensions

Crucially, no Spain Euro squad player is suspended for the final due to yellow card accumulation, as cards are reset after the quarter-finals.

Spain Manager: Luis de la Fuente

Spain Euro 2024 squad Rodri of Spain celebrates after during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Spain v FranceSpain Euro 2024 squad Rodri of Spain celebrates after during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Spain v France

Luis de la Fuente’s path to managing the Spain Euro squad is unique. Unlike many elite managers, he hasn’t had extensive experience at the club level recently, with his last club stint in 2011. However, his deep involvement with Spanish national youth teams over eight years, managing various age groups to European Championship titles, proved to be a masterstroke. This mirrors a similar trajectory to successful England managers who have risen through the national team ranks.

De la Fuente’s long tenure within the Spanish FA has allowed him to cultivate a strong understanding of Spanish footballing philosophy and talent. Since succeeding Luis Enrique in 2022, he has blended a more direct approach with Spain’s традиционный possession-based style.

Spain’s Star Player: Rodri

Rodri has been the linchpin of the Spain Euro squad. Before a recent FA Cup final defeat, Rodri enjoyed an astonishing year-long unbeaten streak for both club and country, spanning over 60 matches.

The Manchester City midfielder is the engine room of this Spanish side, providing both defensive solidity and orchestrating attacking moves. His ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate play from deep midfield is vital to Spain’s success. Rodri’s leadership qualities are also evident, serving as vice-captain and a guiding presence for the younger players in the Spain Euro squad. As Spain heads into the Euro 2024 final, Rodri’s influence will be paramount in their quest for victory.

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