What are Spain’s chances of retaining the World Cup this summer? With these lads in the squad, pretty good we reckon.
Vicente del Bosque’s side will attempt to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to win the World Cup back-to-back this summer and are amongst the favourites to do so alongside the likes of Argentina, Germany and the host nation themselves, of course.
Del Bosque has named a pretty strong looking 30-man squad for this summer’s showpiece, a squad that will be trimmed to 23 on May 25, the day before they gather together for final preparations before the tournament.
Manchester United’s David de Gea has been included alongside Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina and is likely to go to Brazil, while Premier League stars Cezar Azpilicueta, Juan Mata, David Silva, Jesus Navas, Santi Cazorla, Alvaro Negredo and Fernando Torres also feature alongside established names like Pique, Ramos, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and David Villa.
Uncapped Atletico Bilbao midfielder Ander Iturraspe is perhaps the most surprising inclusion, while there is no room for Isco and Alvaro Arbeloa of Real Madrid, Spurs striker Roberto Soldado or one-time Manchester United target Ander Herrera.
Yep, these lads are going to take some stopping alright.
Provisional Spain World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Juanfran, Jordi Alba, Daniel Carvajal, Alberto Moreno, Cesar Azpilicueta, Javi Martinez
Midfielders: Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, David Silva, Ander Iturraspe, Thiago Alcantara, Jesus Navas, Pedro
Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa, Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Negredo, Fernando Torres
