Spain dream of three-in-a-row as Del Bosque names 23-man squad

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has named his final 23-man squad for the European Championships with Real Madrid midfielder Isco and Atletico Madrid starlet Saul Niguez being excluded from the squad heading to France.

Del Bosque had named a provisional squad of 25 prior to their pre-tournament training camp with the Madrid duo being named, however, the three time European Champions have opted to cut the pair ahead of their assault on winning a third title in succession.

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has been called up to the squad as a replacement for the injured Dani Carvajal. The Real Madrid defender picked up an injury in Saturday’s all-Madrid Champions League Final in Milan and medical experts have deemed him unfit for the Euros.

Spain have named 10 of the squad that captured the European Championships four years ago with ‘skipper Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique among those who remain.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa, Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata and Fernando Torres all failed to earn a place in the provisional squad, thus they aren’t part of the 23 men chosen by the former World Cup, European Championship and Champions League winning manager, Del Bosque.

35-year-old Aritz Aduriz has been named having scored 20 league goals for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga last season as the men from the Basque Country secured a Europa League place.

Upon the announcement of his final 23-man squad, Spain Head Coach Vicente Del Bosque said: "We've tried to balance the squad and I think we are well covered with these 23 players. There are other players who could have made it but every player on the list is there by merit."

Spain have been drawn in Group D alongside the Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia, and will open their tournament account against the Czechs in Toulouse on June, 13.

The Spain Squad in Full:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David de Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Club), Juanfran (Atlético Madrid), Hector Bellerín (Arsenal FC).

Midfielders: Bruno Soriano (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea).

Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Club), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Pedro Rodríguez (Chelsea FC), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).