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. Two matches are scheduled for the month of November, but only one will yield competitive points. All attention is centered on a friendly with Germany in Vigo.
On Friday, Manager Vicente del Bosque revealed the 23 players that will be tasked with performing well in both contests.
The roster was not devoid of the usual suspects. Mainstays the likes of Sergio Ramos, Cesc Fabregas and Iker Casillas are all but guaranteed the opportunity to help the squad qualify for the tournament. With no Diego Costa present, Valencia's Paco Alcacer will have an opportunity of his own come Nov. 15.
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), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), César Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Raúl Albiol (Napoli), Juan Bernat (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fàbregas (Chelsea), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Raúl García (Atlético Madrid), Jose Callejón (Napoli), Isco (Real Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), Ignacio Camacho (Málaga)
Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Paco Alcácer (Valencia), Nolito (Celta Vigo)
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. Especially against the reigning World Cup champions.
Spain's Projected Roster (4-2-3-1): Gea; Azpilicueta, Ramos, Albiol, Juanfran; Busquets, Fábregas; Cazorla, Isco, Pedro; Alcácer.
Spain returns to the international stage on Nov. 15 against Belarus, then hosts Germany on Nov. 18, the team's final match of the year.
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