The Espanyol forward has moved ahead of Borja Iglesias in Luis de la Fuente’s plans after taking the lead in the race for the Trofeo Zarra, awarded to the leading Spanish scorer in the league.
His selection adds a different profile to Spain’s attack. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres remain available, but Roberto’s arrival rewards a sustained scoring run and gives the coach another central option.
The squad otherwise retains its established core, with only four of Spain’s 26 World Cup players absent from this list.
Gavi’s omission is the more consequential decision. His involvement has been reduced since suffering another knee problem against Elche, and the appeals committee rejected Spain’s request to suspend the punishment imposed after incidents in the World Cup final.
That leaves Rodri, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo and returning Fermín López to carry the midfield responsibility. Fermín’s return is also notable after a foot injury ruled him out of the World Cup despite his importance to De la Fuente before the tournament.
Spain will begin against England at Wembley, then face Croatia and the Czech Republic. Another report says England recently defeated Croatia 7-0, raising the level of scrutiny around Spain’s opening fixture.
The goalkeeper position has also changed. Joan García is out with a right-knee injury, while Josep Martínez returns to the squad after last representing Spain in June 2021.
Spain’s first competitive lineup of the campaign will reveal whether the continuity of the squad can offset Gavi’s absence. The Wembley opener is the immediate storyline, but the later meetings with Croatia and the Czech Republic will shape the group’s direction.