Spain's national football team undoubtedly ranks as the most successful international team in football history.
La Roja has produced some of the world's finest footballers and has a passionate fan base. However, like any team, they've faced periods of transition and rebuilding.
In 2021, Spain were a team in transition, incorporating younger talents into their squad while maintaining their commitment to attractive football.
However, the Red Fury aim to reestablish their dominance on the international stage during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, following a disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup.
Euro 2024 qualifying: Spain men's team standings
| # | Team | Pl | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 12 |
| 2 | Georgia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 4 |
| 3 | Norway | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
| 4 | Spain | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 5 | Cyprus | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
Euro 2024 qualifying: Spain men's team fixtures
However, despite their earlier successes, which included Nations League victories over Italy and Croatia in a thrilling penalty shootout, the Euro 2024 qualifying Group A standings paint a challenging picture for Spain, who currently sit in fourth place and face an uphill battle.
Leading the group, Scotland has further solidified their position with two additional wins in June, following their surprising 2-0 victory over La Roja in March. They are now eight points ahead and could potentially secure their spot in Euro 2024 in Germany as early as next Tuesday when they face last-place Cyprus.
Nevertheless, the 2010 World Champions remains the clear favorite to secure a top-two finish and qualify for the tournament. They also have the advantage of hosting Cyprus next Tuesday.
Back-to-back wins by Euro 2008 and 2012 champions could provide a welcome distraction from the ongoing Rubiales saga.
Euro 2024 qualifying: Spain men's team schedule
- Group A: Mar 25, 2023 3 - 0 Norway
- Group A: Mar 28, 2023 0 - 2 Sctoland
- Group A: Sep 8, 2023 vs Georgia
- Group A: Sep 12, 2023 vs Cyprus
- Group A: Oct 12, 2023 vs Scotland
- Group A: Oct 15, 2023 vs Norway
- Group A: Nov 16, 2023 vs Cyprus
- Group A: Nov 19, 2023 vs Georgia
Team news
Head coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to stick to the tried-and-true for Friday's match, with captain Alvaro Morata leading the attack.
The striker is the clear top scorer in the squad with 30 goals and will likely be supported by Marco Asensio, Gavi, and Dani Olmo in the forward positions.
In the full-back positions, Dani Carvajal and Alejandro Balde are likely to get the nod, while Aymeric Laporte is expected to continue in the center-back role despite his move from Manchester City to Al-Nassr.
Rodri is a guaranteed presence in midfield, and he might be joined by Fabian Ruiz, as Pedri from Barcelona is notably absent due to injury.
Unai Simon is poised to retain his position as the goalkeeper, despite strong competition from Kepa Arrizabalaga and David Raya.
Ahead of the matches against Scotland and Norway, the Spanish 24-man squad has been revealed.
Spain's potential squad for Euro 2024