Spanish international squad

Raúl has been dropped by Spain for the first time in ten years! The Real Madrid forward was left out of Luis Aragonés's 18 man squad for the upcoming international matches just three days after recovering his scoring form for Real Madrid. The move was expected by the local press, but they were caught off guard when the coach recalled Valencia's Angulo instead of either of the club's new signings Joaquín and Morientes. The injured Salgado and Marchena drop out as well, as do Pernía and Oubiña, with Capdevila being preferred at left to back. Spain play Sweden away on 7th October in a Euro 2008 qualifier, and then have organised a friendly against Argentina in Murcia four days later. (29.09.06)

The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Reina (Liverpool), Casillas (Real Madrid);
Defenders: Antonio López and Pablo (Atlético Madrid), Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito (Betis), Capdevila (Deportivo), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid);
Midfielders: Cesc (Arsenal), Iniesta and Xavi (Barcelona), Luis García and Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Albelda and Angulo (Valencia);
Forwards: Reyes (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Atlético Madrid), David Villa (Valencia).

Under 21 squad

Another of the hot tips was the possible call up of Valencia's Raúl Albiol for the full international side, but in the end he will be joining the under 21 squad for the important qualifying matches against Italy on 6th and 10th October. Iñaki Saez changed his goalkeepers, recalling Moyà and drafting in Real Madrid's under 19 international Adán, and has also included Cazorla and Arizmendi in the group. The full squad is:

Goalkeepers: Moyà (Mallorca), Adán (Real Madrid);
Defenders: Valera (Atlético Madrid), Melli (Betis), Javier Flaño (Osasuna), Garrido (Real Sociedad), Raúl Albiol (Valencia), Piqué (Zaragoza);
Midfielders: Jurado (Atlético Madrid), De la Red (Real Madrid), Raúl García (Osasuna), Cazorla (Recreativo), Antonio Puerta (Sevilla), David Silva and Gavilán (Valencia), Zapater (Zaragoza);
Forwards: Arizmendi (Deportivo), Soldado (Osasuna), Kepa (Sevilla).