Euro Fixtures: Spain’s Quest for European Glory
Spain enters Euro 2024 aiming to recapture the championship glory they achieved in 2008 and 2012. Considered a dark horse in the tournament, La Roja has set their sights on reaching the final stages, building upon their success in the 2023 UEFA Nations League. With a young and promising squad led by coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain seeks redemption after a disappointing 2022 World Cup performance. This tournament in Germany presents a golden opportunity for revival.
Unai Simón, fresh off winning the Zamora Trophy for La Liga’s best goalkeeper in the 2023/24 season, is the undisputed first choice in goal. The defense presents more selection dilemmas for De la Fuente. Dani Carvajal, a recent Champions League winner with Real Madrid, is the sure starter at right-back. Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand seems to be the preferred center-back pairing, while Aymeric Laporte and Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernández will compete for the other central defensive role. A potential injury to Laporte could give Nacho the starting nod for the opening matches against Croatia and Italy. At left-back, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, a favorite of De la Fuente, might edge out Bundesliga winner Álex Grimaldo.
A three-man midfield appears likely, with Manchester City’s Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabián Ruiz forming a double pivot, allowing Pedri to operate in a more advanced role. This 4-2-1-3 formation will transition to a 4-2-3-1 in defense, with the wingers dropping back. Álvaro Morata will captain the team as the central striker, flanked by Athletic Club’s Nico Williams on the left and Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal on the right.
Luis de la Fuente, recently signed to a contract extension through the 2026 World Cup, will lead Spain at Euro 2024. De la Fuente’s experience includes managing Spain’s under-19, under-21, and under-23 teams, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics squad. He replaced Luis Enrique after the 2022 World Cup. While leading Spain to victory in the 2023 UEFA Nations League, his tenure has been marked by controversies, including criticism for his support of former RFEF president Luis Rubiales and a qualifying defeat to Scotland. The upcoming Euro 2024 tournament presents a crucial test for De la Fuente.
Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, stands out as Spain’s key player. As the team’s vice-captain, Rodri’s leadership, tough tackling, and distribution skills are essential to De la Fuente’s counter-attacking strategy. His role in dictating play from midfield and unleashing Pedri’s attacking potential will be crucial for Spain’s success.
While Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal will make their international tournament debuts on Spain’s attacking flanks, 16-year-old Yamal is the one to watch. With impressive goal involvements in his seven appearances for Spain, including two assists in each of his last three outings, Yamal’s dribbling skills, pace, and link-up play are expected to be a vital part of Spain’s tactics.
Spain’s Euro 2024 journey begins on Saturday, June 15th at 12pm ET against Croatia in Berlin’s Olympiastadion. Their second group stage match is against defending champions Italy on Thursday, June 20th at 3pm ET in Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins-Arena. The final group stage fixture will be against Albania on Monday, June 24th at 3pm ET in Düsseldorf’s Esprit Arena. These Euro Fixtures will determine Spain’s progress in the tournament.