Spain – Squad, fixtures, odds and predictions

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Spain: Euro 2024 Overview

Spain are in Group B alongside Croatia, Italy and Albania

Spain won Euro 2008 and with a team inspired by the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Alonso went on to sweep all before them, winning the World Cup in 2010 and the Euros again in 2012. This came to an abrupt end at the 2014 World Cup and since then La Roja have struggled to impose themselves on tournaments, their run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 being their best performance. It can be argued that Spain have retained fantastic strength in depth since their golden era, they could often have fielded a C team who could have taken on most international sides. However, a lack of genuine world class game changers in the final third and the lack of a plan B has undermined them.

Spain have shown recent signs of being more clinical and, other than their deserved defeat to Scotland, looked pretty good in qualifying. They beat Euro 2020 winners and Group B rivals Italy in the final of the Nations League and look serious contenders again. They should have too much for all three opponents in Group B, though a serious knee injury sustained by Barcelona midfielder Gavi will almost certainly see him ruled out of the tournament. This is a huge blow to Luis de la Fuente’s side.

For further details on Euro 2024 as a whole check out our tournament preview.

How Spain qualified for the Euros

Spain won qualifying Group A from Scotland. They registered seven victories, with their only blemish being a defeat to Scotland, who, it has to be said, were magnificent on the night. 25 goals in eight matches, with only five conceded demonstrates the progress made under De la Fuente.

Spain Euro 2024 Squad

The team usually line up in a 4 3 3 and, while possession is important to this Spain side, it is not an obsession and they are prepared to go a little more direct and be a little more pragmatic than they were under previous boss Luis Enrique. De la Fuente likes to have plenty of athleticism and creativity in midfield, attacking fullbacks and wingers capable of coming inside.

Gavi is almost certain to miss out, which is a huge blow. However, Spain have plenty of back up options in the middle of the park and, Rodri, as he is for Manchester City, is a huge presence in his role infront of the back four, crucial both in and out of possession. Gavi’s Barcelona teammate Pedri, should he stay clear of injury is a key man and Alvaro Morata, always a talent, has performed better in front of goal of late and has looked a lot more comfortable.

Key Players 

Rodri is vital to Spain as he is to his club side Manchester City. He is physically strong and tall, adding height and weight alongside his considerable tactical and technical ability. His physique helps him to frequently win tackles, challenges on opponent players, as well as aerial duels. He is also extremly versatile and tactically intelligent. He frequently recovers possession through his reading of the game and can also provide key passes to break the opposition’s lines. He is always on hand to offer himself to teammates when in possession. He usually oporates as a holding midfielder, where he is a very effective screen for the back four and hugely adept at dictating the game as a deep lying playmaker. He is capable of playing further forward in midfield or as a central defender.

Morata made his debut for Spain in November 2014. He is a versatile and well-rounded forward. He is capable of playing as a main striker or linking up play between the lines, and has also played out wide on the wing. He has usually been deployed down the middle for Spain, with the licence to drop in and link the play. Throughout his career Morata has been criticised for his finishing and his mental approach has been questioned. However, during the qualifying campaign both of these aspects appear to have improved. He goes into the tournament as a definate threat in the final third and as an outside bet for the golden boot. He has regularly captained the side under De La Fuente.

Pedri is a huge talent, however, there have been issues with him being overplayed at a young age by both Barcelona and Spain, which could well have been a factor in him picking up a number of injuries. Should he be free from injury at Euro 2024 he looks set to be a key man for Spain. He usually oporates in a free midfield role, which allows him to roam. He prefers to get into central areas and operate between the lines, although he is also capable of moving out wide and running towards the touchline to create chances for teammates. He is capable of dropping deeper to pick up the ball. he is used as a wide forward, with the licence to drop deeper and become involved in the play, or as a number eight. He has, at times played a more defensive midfield role and has oporated down the middle of the attack as a false nine. A hardworking player in and out of possession, Pedri is technically excellent, tactically aware, superb in tight areas, two footed and creative with great passing and dribbling skills.

Ferran Torres, although out of favour at Barcelona, is an important man for the Spanish in attack. He is technically excellent and quick, with and without the ball. His close control at speed enables him to take on opponents, while his height, athleticism, and heading ability also make him a strong aerial presence. Although he primarily plays on the right, he is capable of playing anywhere across the front three.

Spain Odds at Euro 2024

At the time of writing, Spain are 7/1 fourth favourites to win the tournament and 4/6 favouritesto win Group B with bet365, I feel that the bookies have got things right. Spain are a good side and are playing more effective football. Rodri is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world at present and they have quality in depth throughout the side. As far as winning the tournament is concerned, Spain will really have to gel as a team. With the greatest of respect, France, England and possibly Germany have stronger first XI’s player for player. However, they look very likely to qualify and, a run to the semifinals would represent progress and looks, on paper, a distinct possibility.

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Spain Euro 2024 Fixtures

These are the fixtures for Group B, with Spain’s matches highlighted, along with the pòtential dates for the knockout stages:

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