Spain’s National team coach Luis Enrique announced the squad for Euro 2020 on Monday. Spanish skipper Sergio Ramos missing the squad is the biggest talking point after Enrique’s announcement. Ramos had played a handful of games for Real Madrid in 2021 due to coronavirus and injuries.
The Spanish manager did admit that it was difficult to leave out Ramos since he is a terrific skipper. While talking to the media after announcing the squad on Monday, Enrique explained the reasons behind leaving Ramos out of the squad.
“Ramos has not been able to compete this season, he has not been able to train with the group. I called him last night, it was difficult and hard.
“I see that it’s a complicated decision. I recommended that he be selfish and that he regains his level to play in his club and the national team.”
Sergio Ramos has 180 international caps to his name and he has been part of the Spanish team that won Euro 2008 and 2012 along with the World Cup in 2010. Euro 2020 will be the first major competition for Spain since the 2006 World Cup that will not feature Sergio Ramos.
For the first time in Spain’s national team history, no player from Real Madrid has been selected. Senior defender Nacho was unlucky to miss out despite delivering stellar performances for Real Madrid in the second half of the season. Nacho was particularly impressive against Liverpool in the Champions League.
Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets has been named captain in Ramos’ absence, while Aymeric Laporte has been handed the first call-up for the Spanish team. Laporte was cleared to represent Spain at the international level since he lived in the country from the age of 16 before moving to Manchester City in 2018. France has overlooked Laporte for a long time, so he is going to represent Spain at Euro. Twenty-year-old Manchester City center-back Eric Garcia was also included in the squad despite making 12 appearances across all competitions this season.
Enrique decided to stick with 24 players despite UEFA allowing a squad of 26 players for the tournament. The Spanish manager believes that 24 players are enough for having good training and preparation for the tournament.
Spain Euro 2020 squad
Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez.
Defenders: Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Jose Gaya, Pau Torres, Eric Garcia, Diego Llorente, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Llorente.
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Pedri, Thiago, Koke, Fabian.
Forwards: Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alvaro Morata, Gerard Moreno, Ferran Torres, Adama Traore, Pablo Sarabia.