Spain can triumph at Euro 2024 – but only if they overcome a footballing scandal

Spain have several promising wonderkids like Lamine Yamal but will need the experience of Rodri and Alvaro Morata (Photo: Metro)

Chaos off the pitch, but revitalised on it, this Spain team maybe a far cry from the powerhouse that dominated football over a decade ago, but you’d be a fool to write them off.

They arrive at Euro 2024 as one of the favourites off the back of a Nations League triumph and armed with a squad filled with less big names than usual but plenty of explosive new talent and experienced old-timers.

Qualifying was routine, aside from an early defeat to a Scott McTominay inspired Scotland, yet the shadow of the Luis Rubiales scandal continues to loom over the nation…

Manager: Luis de la Fuente

Much of Luis de la Fuente’s managerial career has been spent with youth teams, which made him a surprising pick to replace Luis Enrique after the disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign.

But the 62-year-old has won trophies with Spain’s various youth teams over the past decade, guided the senior side to victory at the Nations League finals last June and has built up a good ethos with his players during turbulent times.

The country was plunged into chaos and controversy last year when the now former Spanish Football President Rubiales was widely condemned for inappropriate behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final, which included kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent.

At the end of a now infamous speech to the RFEF where Rubiales insisted he would not resign, De la Fuente lead a standing ovation, courting much controversy, but later apologised, calling it an ‘inexcusable error’.

Luis de la Fuente has led Spain through a turbulent time on and off the pitch (Photo: Getty)

Rubiales eventually did step down, was handed a three-year ban from football by FIFA, and is set to stand trial in Spain’s high court on charges of sexual assault and coercion.

Style of play & starting XI

In the past, Spain have been guilty of refusing to deviate from their renowned ‘tiki-taka’ philosophy, an error De la Fuente has corrected, introducing a more more direct style of football and a 4-2-3-1 formation.

His tactics call for more natural wingers like Nico Williams and a pure No.9 with former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata to get the nod ahead of Real Madrid hero Joselu.

The loss of Barcelona wonderkid Gavi to injury is huge but there’s still plenty of strength in midfield, with Manchester City’s Rodri to be joined by two of Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fabian Ruiz, or Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella are the only other Premier League players in the squad but won’t start, however former Man City centre-back Aymeric Laporte is one of a few untouchables in the XI.

Spain’s team has a nice blend of youth and experience (Photo: Metro.co.uk)

MVP: Rodri

The best defensive midfielder in the world, prior to last month’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United, Rodri hadn’t lost a game for club or country for over a year.

He’s arguably been more vital to Pep Guardiola’s side than Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne or Phil Foden, and will be expected to pull the strings for his country whilst providing leadership to a young and fledgling squad.

The 27-year-old was wasted at centre-back at the last major tournament but now that he’s playing in his correct role he can add to his impressive trophy haul at the Euros.

Rodri scored the goal to seal Man City’s treble last year (Photo: Getty)

One to watch: Lamine Yamal

Barcelona’s La Masia academy has produced many a wonderkid over the years but Lamine Yamal appears to be a truly special graduate having been handed his senior debut aged 15 years and 290 days.

Last September, he made his senior debut for Spain aged 16 years and 57 days, and could be lifting the Euros trophy on 14 July – the day after his 17th birthday – with his braces still attached.

He’s not just in the squad for show however. Blessed with great dribbling and shooting skills and decision making beyond his years, he recorded 17 goal contributions in 50 appearances for his club and already has two goals in six caps for his country.

Lamine Yamal will turn 17 the day before the Euros final (Photo: Getty)

Route to the final

Drawn in Group B, this tournament’s ‘Group of Death’, Spain kick-off against dark horses Croatia on 15 June before taking on reigning champions Italy and surprise package Albania.

If all goes as predicted, they’ll top the group, but could come unstuck in the quarter-finals should they meet hosts Germany as expected.

Full squad

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.