Raya gets Spain selection for Euro 2024

David Raya is heading to Euro 2024 after being named in Spain’s squad for the finals in Germany starting this week.

Our on-loan shot-stopper has been named as one of the members of the travelling party who will be hoping to return with La Roja’s fourth European crown, and their third of the 21st century after successes in 2008 and 2012.

Spain won seven of their eight qualifiers to make it to the finals, with David playing one of those matches - a 3-1 success against Cyprus last November.

However, they have been rewarded with a tough draw, and will kick off their quest for silverware by taking on Croatia on Saturday, June 15. Then comes a clash with reigning champions Italy five days later when David could come up against clubmate Jorginho, before Albania lie in wait as the group stage comes to its conclusion on Monday, June 24.

David is one of three Premier League players selected by manager Luis de la Fuente, including Manchester City’s Rodri and Marc Cucurella of Chelsea, but there was no place for defenders Pedro Porro or Pau Torres, with Spain looking towards the future with their selections. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal did get the nod, and could potentially become the youngest player to play at a Euros aged just 16.

Last season’s Premier League Golden Glove winner won his fifth cap last Wednesday when he played in Spain’s 5-0 warm-up win against Andorra, having won his first in March 2022. That saw him selected for the World Cup later that year, while he was also a part of his country’s victorious Nations League squad last summer.

He will attempt to push current number one Unai Simon all the way as he aims to add to his cap collection, while the other goalkeeping option for de la Fuente is Real Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro.

Spain complete their preparations with a friendly against Northern Ireland in Mallorca on Saturday.

Full Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), David Raya (Arsenal), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders: Aymeric Laporte (Al Nassr), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Nacho (Real Madrid), Marc Cucarella (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona).

Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Joselu (Real Madrid), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ayoze Perez (Real Betis), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Williams (Athletic Bilbao).