Defending champions Spain will go to the European Championships in France with an experienced squad missing a number of its Premier League stars.

Hector Bellerin has been brought back into the final squad after initially missing out, with an injury to Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal opening the door for him to make the trip.

However, there is no Diego CostaJuan Mata or Santi Cazorla, with only five other English-based players joining Bellerin for the tournament.

Key figures from the Euro 2012 victory such as Fernando TorresJavi Martinez and Xavi Hernandez also miss out after clearly not impressing manager Vicente del Bosque sufficiently to make the final cut.

The full squad

Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Iker Casillas, Sergio Rico.

Defenders: Cesar Azpilicueta, Hector Bellerin, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Juanfran, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Mikel San Jose.

Hector Bellerin had a fine season for Arsenal | Photo: Getty
Hector Bellerin had a fine season for Arsenal | Photo: Getty

Midfielders: Bruno Soriano, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, David Silva.

Forwards: Aritz Aduriz, Lucas Vazquez, Alvaro Morata, Nolito, Pedro.

Spanish giants fail to dominate

Perhaps surprisingly, only nine of the final 23-man roster play their club football for one of the Spanish top three of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.

Players such as Alvaro MorataThiago Alcantara and Iker Casillas have represented these sides in the past, but there is an even mix in the squad with players such as Aritz Aduriz given the chance to shine after impressive domestic seasons.

The 35-year-old striker plundered 35 goals in all competitions for Athletic Bilbao this season including 20 in La Liga, though he only has five full Spanish caps to his name at this point.

Spain's first game at the tournament comes on Monday 13th June, as they face off against the Czech Republic in Toulouse. Croatia and Turkey are their other opponents in Group D.

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About the author
Sam France
Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor at VAVEL UK, part of the VAVEL team 2014-2018.