We are all set for the FIFA World Cup 2022 which will kick off on 21st November and wrap up with the Final on 18th December. The host nation Qatar is gearing up and we have the 32 teams set go for the glory. According to Surprise Sports, Luis Enrique's Spain will be one of the favorites to win the World Cup 2022.
The last two editions of the World Cup didn't go as planned for the 2010 World Champions Spain. La Roja were knocked out of the Group Stage in the 2014 World Cup. They made it to the Round of 16 four years ago, only to lose against Russia on penalties.
However, the one-time World Champions Spain have been impressive and well organized under Luis Enrique. They made it to the semi-finals in the Euro 2020 (held in 2021), where they lost to Italy on penalties. Can Spain go deeper in the World Cup 2022?
Spain played their last international matches in June in the Nations League in Group 2 (Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Czech Republic). In their four matches, they drew against Portugal, drew one and won one against Czech Republic, and beat Switzerland. They are now at the top of the Group with two matches remaining. They have gradually developed and picked up pace in the Nations League.
Who will be called up for Spain to play in the World Cup 2022? With the World Cup 2022 starting in November, it will be midway in the European regular seasons. So, the selection of players for the 26-player World Cup roster will largely depend on the performances of the upcoming season. However, we can certainly guess who would represent Spain in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. We can get an idea by analyzing Luis Enrique's preference and their Nations League squad.
In this episode, we will predict the Spain Squad for the World Cup 2022. Let's get an idea who Luis Enrique would call to fly to Qatar in November.
Spain Goalkeepers for the World Cup 2022
Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao) has been the number 1 starter between the posts under Enrique. He will be the first choice in the World Cup for Spain. Surprisingly, Enrique did not call David De Gea (Man Utd) for the Nations League. His involvement in the World Cup will largely depend on his performance in the EPL upcoming season. However, Robert Sanchez (Brighton) and David Raya (Brentford) were excellent for their sides last season and they earned a nod for the Nations League.
Spain Defenders for the World Cup 2022
Sergio Ramos was the notable absentee in the Nations League squad. The 36-year-old center half is not a regular starter for PSG. He has been struggling for fitness issues. His World Cup hopes appear bleak. Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), and Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid) are the frontrunners for the wing-back positions. Moreover, Chelsea's veteran captain Cesar Azpilicueta got a nod for the Nations League. Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), and Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao) are also Enrique's preferences for the backline.
Spain Midfielders for the World Cup 2022
Pedri (Barcelona), Gavi (Barcelona), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), and Rodri (Man City) are the key pieces in midfield and they are guaranteed to make the World Cup roster. Barcelona youngster Pedri has been impressive to build up attacks and he will play a key role in Qatar. Busquets will use his experience along with Rodri in the holding midfield.
Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig) is another name who has been a regular under Enrique. He would make the squad and come in handy in wing-play. Carlos Soler (Valencia) and Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid) are also on Enrique's radar.
Spain Forwards for the World Cup 2022
Spain lacks in world class in-form forwards. It would be a major problem for La Roja in the upcoming World Cup. Ferran Torres was in great touch for Barcelona last season. He would get the nod up front. Morever, Ansu Fati (Barcelona), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), and Pablo Sarabia (PSG) are the frontrunners to make the squad.
Spain will play against Costa Rica, Germany, and Japan in Group E in the World Cup 2022. You can check out all the details of the FIFA World Cup Live Streaming here.