Fixtures, predictions and top players

After dominating international football, expectations are very low for Spain Euro 2024.

The star-studded team that won the Euros in 2008 and 2010, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2010, is long gone, replaced by a talented but modest group of players. Because of this, La Roja will not be considered favorites in this summer's tournament in Germany.

Having said that, Spain were in the minority at Euro 2020 and had to go to the final on penalties. The 2023 UEFA Nations League champions boast some of the most exciting young prospects in world football and could capitalize on their status as title underdogs – certainly compared to the likes of France and England.

Here's your guide to Spain at Euro 2024.

Luis de la Fuente named a 29-man squad ahead of Euro 2024 for pre-tournament friendlies against Andorra and Northern Ireland and then cut three players for his final selection.

There aren't too many surprises, although there have been some hard misses. One of those who don't feel like they're doing it hard is Tottenham Pedro Porrowho was left out despite an encouraging season in north London.

Gavi he was sorely missed by Spain in the engine room after sustaining a long-term injury on international duty in November last year. Real Madrid team Lucas Vazquezwho recently won another Champions League title, was not paid, as was his former colleague Marco Asensionow at Paris Saint-Germain.

Moving to Saudi Arabia didn't stop Aymeric Laporte ahead of Euro 2024, including Al Nassr defender. Marc Cucurella is another surprising name to make the team, although his form this season for Chelsea was strong.

Spain has some popular midfielders Peter, Rodri and the Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi again Mikel Merinowith many exciting attack options as new Lamine Yamal again Nico Williams.

Spain's Euro 2024 squad

Often lined up in a 4-3-3, it's no surprise that Spain likes to dominate. With a number of professional, talented players throughout the team, this is a logical set-up planned by former Spain youth team coach De la Fuente, who recently signed a new contract with La Roja.

They will take risks to play from the back, something that opposition teams may try to eat up. However, since the players have such talent in their measurements, especially when the ball reaches the center of the field, they have the ability to play by pressing the opponents.

Spain also boast a host of exciting forwards, such as Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams and the rejuvenated Ayoze Perez. In Alejandro Grimaldo and Dani Carvajal, they have defenders who can stretch the field and combine things.

Their real strength comes in the midfield, however. A possible trio consisting of Rodri, Pedri and one other – possibly Merino or Fabian Ruiz – will aim to exert complete control in the engine room.

Spain knows well the two players who play in the group stage. They began their campaign in the 'group of death' against Croatia, a team they beat on penalties in the 2023 Nations League final and were knocked out of Euro 2020 following a 5-3 extra-time win in the quarter-finals.

Their second-tier rivals are a team they have mixed with in recent history. Italy, the defending European champions, beat Spain on penalties at Euro 2020 en route to the trophy, although La Roja were able to gain revenge by beating Italy in the semi-finals of the 2023 Nations League.

One game Spain will be expected to win at a canter is the final group game against Albania, a surprise Euro 2024 qualifier. La Roja have won all eight of their previous meetings, including a 9-0 victory back in 1990.

Spain's Euro 2024 matches in the group stage

Spain's record against their opponents in the Euro 2024 group stage

Spain's potential rivals

If Spain were to top Group B, they would get a good draw against the third-placed team in Group A, D, E or F. But with the challenging fixtures ahead, a second-place finish is more likely, which would be compelling. they will play second place in Group A.

Of course, finishing third doesn't guarantee qualification for the last 16, but it might be enough depending on results elsewhere. If it finishes behind the two teams in Group B, it will be drawn with the winner of Group E or F.

As has been the case with Manchester City for some time now, Rodri he holds the key to Spain. The strength of De la Fuente's squad, his ability to command the center of the park is crucial to his nation's success, as La Roja have lost just seven of the 49 games they have played in.

Of course, his partner is in the middle Peter it will be important, although whether he can find form after a few injuries and injuries in the last few months of the campaign remains to be seen. RB Leipzig Dani Olmowho has the ability to play in different positions, could be the difference after a strong season in Germany.

Bayer Leverkusen team Alejandro Grimaldo He also enjoyed a fine Bundesliga campaign, with his 31 goals from the left-back vital to the domestic and Europa League double.

Alvaro Morata he may not be the most clinical striker in the world but he does boast a solid goal scoring record in Spain. He scored 21 goals for Atletico Madrid last season and has produced 34 in 71 appearances at international level.

Spain is fortunate to have one of the most promising talents in world football preparing for its first major international tournament. Young Barcelona Lamine Yamal there was a wonderful season of rest in difficult times in Catalonia.

He may not be guaranteed a starting spot but he has the ability to step up to the big event, as he has shown at Barca. Yamal can prove a clear figure in the final third with his speed and brilliance on the right side.

Team mate Fermin Lopez he's rebounded after a solid season, even though he's unlikely to be a starter. The Athletic Club Nico Williamswho is under Premier League interest, is guaranteed some minutes on the left.

Spain will enter the tournament with the desire to compete with the European champions for a record fourth time. Although they are not popular favorites with bookies or supporters, they could be the last team standing in Germany this summer.

What they lack in natural champions they make up for with talent across the board, except in many areas of obvious weakness compared to their competitors.

With the likes of France, England and hosts Germany garnering most of the media attention ahead of the tournament, Spain may slip under the radar.