International news

Spanish World Cup squad

Luis Aragonés once again called up 33 players for an informal get together this week, giving further indications of who will be in the final squad of 23. The coach opted for the on-form Valencia keeper Cañizares rather than Víctor Valdés as third choice to Casillas and Reina, and has also included five more uncapped players, Melli, Oubiña, Gavilán, Javi Venta and Cani, probably more as a bet for the future rather than for this summer. As well as Valdés, Aragonés has left out Guti, Helguera, Oleguer, Munitis and the injured, Valerón, all of whom have little chance now of making it to Germany. (11.04.06)

The full list was as follows:

Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Cañizares (Valencia);
Defenders: Antonio López and Pablo (Atlético Madrid), Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito and Melli (Betis), Del Horno (Chelsea), Capdevila (Deportivo), Michel Salgado and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Marchena (Valencia), Javi Venta (Villarreal);
Midfielders: Cesc (Arsenal), Iniesta and Xavi (Barcelona), Joaquín (Betis), Oubiña (Celta), De la Peña (Espanyol), Gavilán (Getafe), Luis García and Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Albelda, Baraja and Vicente (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Cani (Zaragoza);
Forwards: Reyes (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Atlético Madrid), Munitis (Deportivo), Morientes (Liverpool), Raúl (Real Madrid), David Villa (Valencia).

Under 19 international side

Spain's under 19 side lost 0-1 to Austria in a friendly match which served as a warm up prior to the qualifying group games for the European Championships. The only goal of the game came in the second half when Pichler took advantage after keeper Adán could only push out a previous effort. Spain have been grouped with Germany, Sweden and Cyprus in their elite group. (11.04.06)

Under 17 international side

Spain's under 17s now know their opponents for next month's European Championship finals. Juan Santiesteban's side have been drawn in group A with hosts Luxembourg, as well as Hungary and Russia. (10.04.06)