Returning to prominence remains the priority for the Spanish national team in 2014. The former leaders of the FIFA world rankings will look to qualify for the 2016 European Cup in France, with two matches scheduled for the month of October. Manager Vicente del Bosque revealed 23 players that will be tasked with collecting points against Slovakia and Luxembourg on Friday.
The roster was not devoid of the usual suspects. Mainstays the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Iker Casillas are all but guaranteed the opportunity to help the squad qualify for the tournament. Debutants Rodrigo and Juan Bernat have been promoted from the under-21s and will have an opportunity of their own come Oct. 9.
Spain's full roster is listed below (via AS):
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David de Gea (Manchester United), Kiko Casilla (Espanyol).
Defenders: Juanfran (Atlético Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Raúl Albiol (Napoli), Juan Bernat (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: David Silva (Manchester City), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta, (Barcelona), Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic Bilbao), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Raúl García (Atlético Madrid).
Forwards: Rodrigo (Valencia), Paco Alcácer (Valencia), Diego Costa (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona).
Despite being the reigning European champions, the Spanish aren't favored to win the 2016 European Cup. Germany remains the resounding pick. A projected starting XI like the one below, however, shouldn't be overlooked.
Spain's Projected Roster (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Azpilicueta, Ramos, Piqué, Juanfran; Busquets, Fábregas; Cazorla, Silva, Koke; Costa.
Spain returns to the international stage on Oct. 9 in Slovakia, then travels to Luxembourg for a second qualifier against Luxembourg.
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