flag
back Back
Spain Coach Says Soccer Can Help Heal Country After Recent Tragedies

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente paid tribute to the victims of a high-speed train crash and a second-division player who died after an on-field collision before announcing his Nations League squad on Friday.

De la Fuente made several changes for upcoming games against England and Czechia, with Spain already qualified for the quarterfinals.

"Spain is mourning. We have been stricken by a tragedy that should never have taken place," he said in reference to the Oct. 28 rail incident that killed 69 people and injured 200 more. It was Spain’s second major train disaster this year.

De la Fuente also mentioned Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel, who died this week after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper.

"Today, our thoughts are with the victims, including our colleague Jesús de Miguel, who tragically passed away this week," De la Fuente said a day after attending the funeral of De Miguel. "We want to stand with all of them, with those suffering an irreparable loss, and those left with an immense void after saying goodbye to their loved ones."

Spain plays Czechia in Prague on Nov. 12 and three days later hosts England in Madrid.

De la Fuente called up Como defender Jacobo Ramón, Real Betis midfielder Marc Roca and Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles for the first time. He also included Atletico Madrid playmaker Pablo Barrios and Real Sociedad forward Ander Barrenetxea in a 27-man squad.

Barcelona midfielders Rodri and Dani Olmo were not in the squad after picking up injuries with their club.

Spain squad:

Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona), Álvaro Valles (Real Betis).

Defenders: Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Atletico Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Jacobo Ramón (Como).

Midfielders: Pedri González (Barcelona), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Barrios (Atletico Madrid), Marc Roca (Real Betis).

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Roberto Fernandez (Espanyol), Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad).

You may like

De la Fuente includes Como’s Ramon among three newcomers for Nations League

soccernews.com 14 hours ago

Valencia vs. Real Madrid: Head-to-head record and past meetings ahead of La Liga clash

sportsmole.co.uk 1 day ago

Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: Head-to-head record and past meetings ahead of La Liga clash

amp.sportsmole.co.uk 17 hours ago

Saturday's La Liga predictions including Valencia vs. Real Madrid

sportsmole.co.uk 3 hours ago

Preview: Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk 1 day ago

Valencia vs. Real Madrid: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

si.com 38 minutes ago

Preview: Valencia vs Real Madrid - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk 1 day ago

Preview: Elche vs Real Betis - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk 12 hours ago

The Numbers Game: Simeone and Barca chase LaLiga history in top-of-the-table tussle

soccernews.com 10 hours ago