Diego Costa, Juan Mata head list of big names axed by Spain for Euro 2016

Updated 17/05/2016 at 21:41 GMT

Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Diego Costa and Santi Cazorla have all missed out on a place in Spain’s Euro 2016 squad.

Fernando Torres, Diego Costa and Juan Mata

Image credit: Eurosport

Vicente del Bosque named a 26-man preliminary squad - so must still cut three players before the final list is submitted at the end of May.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Casillas, De Gea, Rico

International friendlies

Paqueta snatches Brazil thrilling draw with Spain after Rodri double

26/03/2024 at 23:17

Defenders: Ramos, Pique, Carvajal, Alba, Bartra, Azpilicueta, San Jose, Juanfran

Midfielders: Bruno, Busquets, Koke, Thiago, Iniesta, Isco, Silva. Pedro, Fabregas, Saul

Forwards: Aduriz, Nolito, Morata, Vazquez

Spain drop Diego Costa for Euro 2016

WHO'S MISSED OUT?

Costa, whose naturalisation for Spain ahead of his native Brazil was one of the biggest talking points ahead of the 2014 World Cup, misses out after scoring 12 Premier League goals in a difficult campaign for Chelsea.

Mata has appeared in every Premier League game for Manchester United, scoring six goals and claiming five assists, but Spain's huge reserves of attacking talent mean there is no room for him in the 25-man provisional squad announced by Vicente del Bosque.

Manchester United's Juan Mata celebrates scoring their first goal

Image credit: Reuters

Santi Cazorla's return from injury on the final day of the season with Arsenal came too late for him to win his place back in the squad, despite playing 365 minutes across seven matches during qualifying.

Torres has enjoyed a resurgence of form at Atletico Madrid, with seven goals in his past 10 Liga games, but misses out in a squad which contains Real Madrid forward Lucas Vazquez and Atletico Madrid playmaker Saul.

There is no place either for the top goalscorer in qualifying, Paco Alcacer, or Bayern Munich defender Javi Martinez.

Saul Niguez

Image credit: AFP

WILDCARD MOVE...

The inclusion of the uncapped Saul, who scored a wonderful solo goal in the semi-finals of the Champions League, is an adventurous move from Vicente del Bosque. Guilty perhaps of indulging the class of 2008-12 at the World Cup in Brazil, the Spaniard has taken a riskier approach this time.