Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s national football team coach, made a notable appearance in the MetLife Stadium press room, just hours after his team’s victorious match. Accompanied by his dedicated staff—including Juanjo González, Pablo Peña, and Carlos Cruz—he addressed questions regarding their strategy and aspirations moving forward.
When asked what he conveyed to the players before the match, De la Fuente shared a revealing insight: “One of the players, who has been with me for many years, asked, ‘Mister, what do we have left to win?’ I told him we want to win the next match in September.”
The upcoming challenge is the UEFA Nations League, where Spain will kick off their title defense on September 26 against England at Wembley, also facing the Czech Republic and Croatia in their group. Spain, the reigning European and World champions, exceeded expectations by reaching the top four in the recent tournament. However, their real achievement lies in demonstrating their competitiveness and maintaining their status among the elite teams. But as they look ahead, significant changes to the squad are not anticipated. Let’s break it down by position.
Goalkeeping Stability
Spain’s goalkeeping lineup is expected to remain consistent over the next two years. Unai Simón (29), David Raya (30), and Joan García (25) solidify the future of this key position. Simón continues performing at a high level, while García is expected to develop further, potentially leading to a transition in the future.
Defensive Foundation
The backbone of the defense will also stay largely intact. While previous updates following the last Eurocopa saw the introduction of Dani Carvajal (who missed the World Cup due to injury) and Robin Le Normand (who lost his spot), the young talents like Pau Cubarsí and Marc Pubill are ready to step up. Both Pedro Porro (26) and Marc Cucurella (27) are likely to feature prominently moving towards the Euro 2028.
Aymeric Laporte’s excellent tournament performance, at age 32, raises questions, yet veterans are complemented by emerging prospects like Dean Huijsen and Cristhian Mosquera, marking a time of transition and opportunity.
Midfield Continuity
Midfield sees a blend of established figures and youthful talent. Veteran players like Rodri, Mikel Merino, and Fabián Ruiz—each 30 years old or older—anchor the squad. Supporting them are younger stars such as Pedri (23), Gavi (21), and Dani Olmo (28), all of whom have solidified their roles in the squad. The absence of Fermín López (23) is noted, yet the midfield continues adapting and evolving.
Future of the Forward Line
The forward line remains stable with Mikel Oyarzabal, the likely central striker at 29 years old. Talents like Nico Williams (24) and Lamine Yamal (19) are also making their mark. Other rising names include Álex Baena (24), Víctor Muñoz (22), and Yeremy Pino (23). The search persists for a potentially impactful forward to support or succeed Oyarzabal, highlighting Samu Aghehowa as a promising prospect.
Consistency on the Bench
Luis de la Fuente’s coaching staff and strategies are set to stay unchanged following his renewal until after Euro 2028. Despite initial skepticism, his handling of the World Cup boosted his reputation. Decisions like retaining Mikel Merino proved pivotal, and De la Fuente’s tactical adjustments continue to strengthen the team, fostering a unified and capable environment.