Spain goes into the European Championships in Germany as three-time champions, which is the joint-highest tally with Germany’s. However, after its golden generation won three major tournaments (two Euros and a World Cup) in the space of four years from 2008 to 2012, La Furia Roja has failed to reach the final of any major international tournament.
With manager Luis de la Fuente guiding his team to the top position in Group A in the European qualifiers this year, the Spaniards will be optimistic about their chances this time around. However, the absence of a few experienced players might prove to be costly for the team.
Spain Has the Right Mix of Experience and Youth
Spain has a few seasoned campaigners in their squad. Players like Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Álvaro Morata, Jesús Navas and Aymeric Laporte are on the wrong side of 30. However, there are also players like Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Fermin López, who are very young and have a lot to prove at the international stage.
Still, there are not many world-class players in the Spanish side with the exception of Rodri and Carvajal. Moreover, they will also miss the services of midfielders Gavi and Koke. Gavi picked up a knee-injury in a qualifier against Georgia, while Koke has been left out.
As a result, Spain’s midfield will be somewhat weakened and Rodri will have to shoulder a lot of responsibility. It will be up to him and Pedri to ensure a steady supply of the ball to the forwards. Rodri has been doing it wonderfully well for Manchester City for the last few years, but should find it tougher while playing for the national side, as Spain might not be able to dominate the ball as much as the Cityzens do. Still, the basic philosophy of the two teams remains the same and there should be enough opportunity for Rodri to exhibit his range of passing.
Spain is In a Tough Group
Spain has been drawn alongside defending champions Italy, Croatia and Albania. While Albania might struggle to make it past the group stage, the three-way fight among the other teams in the group should be an absorbing one.
While Italy is not as strong as it was during the last European Championships with the absence or retirement of a few players, it might still be able to trouble Spain. Croatia is one of the most consistent teams in Europe and should definitely fancy their chances of reaching the next round.
The Spaniards thrashed Northern Ireland 5-1 in a recent friendly, with Pedri scoring a brace and Morata also finding the net once. Morata will need to keep doing it for his team in the upcoming Euros as well.
The 31-year-old striker has scored 35 goals in 73 matches for Spain. However, the Atlético Madrid player might not be playing in too many major international tournaments after this year’s. Hence, he should try to make his campaign in Germany a memorable one by winning matches and helping his team go deep into the tournament.