Spain’s first international squad since their Euro 2016 exit includes a couple of very notable changes.
Juan Mata is back in the mix after missing out on the tournament, while West Ham goalkeeper Adrián comes in for Iker Casillas, who some think might have played his last game for La Roja.
And another man to miss out is Cesc Fàbregas, who will have to wait to add to his 105 international caps.
It is the first squad named by Julen Lopetegui, who succeeded Vicente del Bosque after the last-16 exit at the hands of Italy, and the former Porto boss has also left out Fàbregas’ Chelsea team-mate Pedro.
But there are recalls for European Championships absentees Diego Costa and Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, while Marco Asensio has been rewarded for his impressive early-season form for the Champions League holders with a call-up.
Spain will face Belgium in a friendly on September 1, before kicking off their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign at home to Liechtenstein four days later.
England’s new manager Sam Allardyce will be watching keenly, as his Three Lions squad will take on the Spaniards in a friendly on November 15. England’s own World Cup qualifying campaign begins on September 4 against a Slovakia team that held them to a 0-0 draw in France over the summer.
He’ll at least be familiar with the seven Premier League faces: David de Gea, Adrián, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Silva, Mata, Nolito and Costa.
Y qué decir genio . Es una alegría ver tu peinado en esa foto . @AdriSanMiguel disfruta. pic.twitter.com/P13s93fz5c
— Pedro Mba Obiang (@Obiang14) August 26, 2016
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