Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has named his latest Nations League selection from Ceuta, offering a gesture of support for the Spanish exclave in northern Africa currently at the centre of a migration crisis.
Releasing his first squad since Spain secured the World Cup, De la Fuente featured in a video recorded in Ceuta alongside local residents. In late July, more than 70,000 people crossed the border from Morocco, with over 100 dying in the chaos. Although most quickly returned, a few thousand remain in the city of just over 80,000 inhabitants.
De la Fuente did not explicitly address the border events, but declared: “This is Ceuta, this is Spain.” His statement reflects a growing sentiment across the country that the territory – often an afterthought for mainland Spaniards prior to the mass crossing – deserves backing.
Spain start their Nations League campaign against England at Wembley Stadium on 26 September, when players will wear two stars on their shirts for the first time following their second world title.
After playing in London, Spain host Croatia on 29 September and the Czech Republic on 3 October, before travelling to face Croatia on 6 October.
De la Fuente has kept the core of his World Cup squad intact.
Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez comes in for Barcelona’s Joan García, who misses out with a minor knee problem. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen replaces Marcos Llorente following his international retirement. Fermín López takes the place of fellow Barcelona midfielder Gavi, while Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández receives his debut call-up in place of Borja Iglesias.
Ceuta is one of two Spanish territories on the north African coast alongside Melilla, having been under Spanish control since 1580. Christians, Muslims, Spanish and Moroccan residents and day workers live there in relative harmony behind a border fence that many migrants across Africa try to climb or swim around to enter Europe.
Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Josep Martínez (Inter Milan)
Defenders: Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Atletico Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham).
Midfielders: Rodri Hernández (Barcelona), Pedri González (Barcelona), Fermín López (Barcelona), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain), Álex Baena (Atletico Madrid).
Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ferran Torres (Paris Saint-Germain), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Víctor Muñoz (Liverpool), Roberto Fernández (Espanyol).
