Spain will field a youthful squad at Euro 2024, with Barcelona's teen prodigy Lamine Yamal anticipated to have a standout performance.

⚽ Spain – Key Euros Stats ⚽

Appearances: 11
Titles: 3
Best Finish: Winners (1964, 2008, 2012)
Record: W21 D15 L10
Goals: 68
Biggest Win: 5-0 (vs Slovakia at Euro 2020)
Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal
World Ranking: 8
Nickname: La Roja (“The Red One”)

Fixtures:

• 15 June: Spain vs Croatia (Olympiastadion, Berlin, 6pm local/16:00 GMT)
• 20 June: Spain vs Italy (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)
• 24 June: Albania vs Spain (Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, 9pm local/19:00 GMT)

The quiet departure of Spain from the 2022 Qatar World Cup overshadows what has been a period of relative success for the team.

Spain reached the Euro 2020 semifinals but was eliminated by Italy on penalties, the eventual winners.

In June 2023, Spain clinched the UEFA Nations League, their first title since the iconic Euro 2012 victory.

The Nations League win was pivotal for three reasons.

Firstly, defeating Croatia in the final on penalties helped move past the 2022 World Cup disappointment, where Spain didn't score a single penalty against Morocco in the round of 16.

Secondly, the confidence gained from a late win over Italy in the semifinal, beating both Italy and Croatia – teams in their Euro 2024 group – was significant.

Thirdly, new coach Luis de la Fuente secured a trophy early in his tenure, gaining player confidence for Euro 2024.

Smells like teen spirit

De la Fuente is familiar with national team success.

He won Euros with Spain’s Under-19 and Under-23 squads and led the national team to a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

As expected, his Euro 2024 squad is young and eager to succeed.

Barcelona's 16-year-old Lamine Yamal is included, along with fellow La Masia alum Fermin Lopez, 21, who received his first national team call-up.

Twenty-one-year-olds Pedri and Nico Williams are also in De la Fuente's 26-man squad.

Yamal is likely to start, becoming the youngest player in European championship history.

He has an impressive resume: youngest scorer for Barcelona, LaLiga, and Spain.

While Yamal may attract attention, Manchester City's Rodri is crucial for Spain.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder is the team’s unofficial leader.

His midfield partnership with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi – praised by De la Fuente as the “best midfielders in the world in their position” – will be crucial.

De la Fuente also has options like Alex Baena, the top assist-maker in LaLiga, and Girona's standout Aleix Garcia.

One step forward, one step back

Spain's striker position is a concern.

Alvaro Morata will lead the attack, though his early-season form has dipped, scoring only twice since March.

Joselu scored 17 goals for Real Madrid, including two against Bayern in the Champions League semi-final, but he's not yet reliable in international games.

Given Spain’s balance of youth and experience, predicting their Euro 2024 outcome is challenging.

As underdogs under a new manager, Spain might benefit from being less predictable.

⚽ Spain’s final squad for Euro 2024 ⚽

Captain: Alvaro Morata

Goalkeepers: Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad), David Raya (Arsenal), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Aymeric Laporte (Al-Nassr), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Rodrigo (Manchester City), Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad), Fabian Ruiz (Paris St Germain), Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Pedri (Barcelona), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Fermin Lopez (Barcelona)

Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Joselu (Real Madrid), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Ayoze Perez (Real Betis), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Follow the action at Al Jazeera's Euro 2024 tournament page for match previews and live commentary, and stay updated with group standings and match results and schedules.