adminMADRID. — Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin has been included in Spain’s Euro 2016 soccer squad with coach Vicente del Bosque naming 19 of his 23-man pool ahead of yesterday’s deadline.
Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal was ruled out of the tournament because of a muscle injury sustained in the Champions League final in Milan, meaning Bellerin has been rewarded for a fine season at the Emirates.
The 21-year-old won his first cap for his country in the 3-1 friendly win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday.
However, three players from Real Madrid and three from Atletico Madrid will compete for the final four spots after Del Bosque elected to wait before deciding on his full squad later on Tuesday to consider those who participated in Saturday’s European Cup final.
Sergio Ramos, Isco and Lucas Vazquez, as well as Atletico’s Juanfran, Koke and Saul Niguez are all hoping to be included.
However, three players from Real Madrid and three from Atletico Madrid will compete for the final four spots after Del Bosque elected to wait before deciding on his full squad later on yesterday to consider those who participated in Saturday’s European Cup final.
Sergio Ramos, Isco and Lucas Vazquez, as well as Atletico’s Juanfran, Koke and Saul Niguez are all hoping to be included.
Juanfran and Ramos, who scored Madrid’s goal in the Champions League final, are set to make the team.
There are some doubts about Koke’s fitness following Saturday’s final, but he is also expected to be included in the squad.
The 21-year-old Niguez is likely to be one of the players dropped, and the final spot would be filled by either Isco or Vazquez.
Spain take on South Korea and Georgia before opening their Euro 2016 campaign against the Czech Republic on June 13.
They then face further Group D fixtures against Turkey and Croatia.
Spain’s Euro 2016 squad (19-man)
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David de Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla)
Defenders: Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Marc Bartra (all Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San José (Athletic Bilbao), Hector Bellerín (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta (both Barcelona), Thiago Alcântara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro, Cesc Fabregas (both Chelsea)
Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus). — Sky Sports.
Online Reporter