New additions for World Cup champions: who is in De la Fuente’s latest Spain national team roster? - RAW CHILI

Every squad announcement is special. Representing your country always is. But this one carried even greater significance, with everyone’s thoughts in Navahermosa, where Jesús de Miguel was laid to rest yesterday, and in Urda, following the tragic accident.

Luis de la Fuente wanted to remember those affected before delivering his latest Spain squad announcement, otherwise a matter-of-fact affair.

“An entire country is mourning once again. Spain does not deserve this pain. Soccer is the force that brings us together. Today, more than ever, it must unite us. We stand with the victims in Urda. And with Jesús de Miguel. We want to be there for everyone. For those who are suffering, those who feel an immense emptiness, those waiting for news. We all share this sense of helplessness. The players and the national team share your pain.”

And then came the squad announcement.

Because, yes, Spain are back. The world champions. The team unbeaten in 42 games. The team with 11 consecutive victories, the last four securing qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals. A side that dominates but can also come from behind, as England and Croatia discovered during the last international break. The No. 1 team in the FIFA rankings. Always recognizable, always evolving.

And while De la Fuente made four changes to his first squad after reaching the summit, one in each area of the team, this second squad features seven changes from the previous one.

Joan García and Pedro Porro missed the last squad, but both have fully recovered from injury. And with injuries forcing changes elsewhere, there are opportunities for Valles, as a fourth goalkeeper, Jacobo Ramón, Marc Roca, Pablo Barrios and Ander Barrenetxea. Those are the new faces. There is also a change in the numbers: 27 players have been called up.

The Barcelona goalkeeper, who joins Unai Simón and David Raya, and the Tottenham fullback were already expected to return. Now their inclusion is official.

The surprise is Betis goalkeeper Valles. Not because he does not deserve his place, but because De la Fuente has once again decided to select four goalkeepers, as he did before the World Cup. The aim is to give players experience of the national team environment, something considered just as important as their performances.

The two returns were obvious, as were the absences. Three, to be precise. Eric García, Rodri and Dani Olmo are all injured. Three setbacks that leave La Roja without three key players and open the door for the newcomers.

Jacobo gets his chance in defense

Pubill’s versatility had raised questions about who would fill the gap left by Eric García, but De la Fuente intends to use the Atlético Madrid player at fullback.

Jacobo Ramón, whose increasingly impressive performances at Como have been opening doors, will take his place at center back, alongside the ever-present Laporte, Cubarsí and a rejuvenated Huijsen.

Jon Martín and Javi Rodríguez were also in contention for an opportunity, but will have to keep working toward their chance.

On the left, Cucurella and Grimaldo remain fierce rivals for the same position.

No Rodri or Olmo…

Midfield has been the area hardest hit by injuries. It is also the part of the team that offers De la Fuente the greatest variety of options, depending on whether he wants more attacking threat or defensive control.

Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri, Merino and Fermín were guaranteed places, but they will be joined in camp by Pablo Barrios and Marc Roca.

The Atlético midfielder, who gets the nod ahead of candidates such as Milla, would have had a strong chance of making the World Cup squad had injury not intervened. Now another player’s misfortune has reopened the door.

With Rodri unavailable, De la Fuente has turned to Roca, whom he knows well from Spain’s youth teams. That decision means Chema Andrés and Marc Bernal must wait for their opportunity while remaining with the Under-21s.

Roca’s start to the season with Champions League contenders Betis has been outstanding.

Roberto keeps his place

Finally, the attack.

The wingers were almost automatic selections: Lamine Yamal, Víctor Muñoz, Nico Williams, Baena and Yeremy Pino.

But the Liverpool player drops out. Although he featured for Iraola’s side recently, he has been dealing with some physical discomfort. In comes Barrenetxea, who was already close to making the World Cup squad and has continued to strengthen his case with an improving Real Sociedad.

The battle for the central striker positions was similar to the previous international break.

Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres were untouchable then, as they are now, but Roberto, Camello, Gonzalo and Espí were all competing for a place.

The Espanyol striker won that battle, while the Real Madrid forward was subsequently called up as an emergency replacement following Ferran’s injury.

This time, however, there was another name in the equation: Samu Aghehowa.

A torn ACL was a devastating setback that ruled him out of the World Cup, but he has now recovered. Nevertheless, De la Fuente has stuck with Espanyol’s goal scorer.

And so the 27-man squad is complete, with thoughts still firmly on those who have been lost.

Spain’s Nations League schedule

The two-time world champions have a clear mission: secure first place in their group.

Qualification was effectively wrapped up during the previous extended international break.

Four games, 12 points. Four victories that have left England three points behind, thanks in large part to Spain’s 3-2 comeback victory at Wembley, which paved the way to the quarterfinals, scheduled for March 25-30.

That was Spain’s first game after conquering the world, and they have continued riding the wave ever since: 4-1 and 2-1 victories over Croatia, followed by a hard-fought 3-1 win against the Czech Republic.

It is against Santi Denia’s Czech side that Spain will begin this shorter international break, on Thursday in Prague at 2:45 p.m. ET.

They will then close out the window at the Metropolitano on Sunday, also at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Preparations begin on Monday, with players due to report for international duty from 7 a.m. ET.

Spain’s full squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, Joan García, Valles.

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Pubill, Laporte, Cubarsí, Huijsen, Jacobo Ramón, Cucurella, Grimaldo.

Midfielders: Zubimendi, Fabián, Pedri, Merino, Fermín, Barrios, Marc Roca, Baena.

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Barrenetxea, Roberto.