Cristian Romero felt the decision was ‘unbelievable’, and in all the worst ways. Despite announcing a 29-man preliminary squad ahead of this summer’s tournament, there was still no place in the squad for one of Tottenham Hotspur’s star performers.
‘Unbelievable’, indeed.
Not only was the £40 million man one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou‘s team sheet throughout 2023/24, he was also a consistent bright spark in a rather mixed debut campaign under the Aussie tactician.
Pedro Porro might not be the most solid defender on planet earth. But, as full-backs go, he is one of the most creative. There were four – often spectacular – goals and seven assists for Tottenham Hotspur last season, with Porro’s intensity and vision on the flank seemingly making him a natural fit for a Spain team who tend to dominate possession and push up high into the opposition’s final third.
You can understand Romero’s shock, then, when it emerged that Porro was not even in Spain’s initial 29-man roster, let alone the final 26.
Tottenham Hotspur star handed Euro 2024 snub
“I was very excited about the possibility of being able to represent my country in the Euros,” a gracious Porro writes on Instagram, trying to stay positive despite the crushing disappointment. “But in the end, it won’t be possible this year.
“Respect and admiration for all of the players who will be defending our colours. From here I will be supporting the team hoping we have great joy. Come on guys.”
So, who did get the nod? There will be no surprise to learn that Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid’s Mr Versatile – is part of Luis de la Fuente’s roster. But a 38-year-old Jesus Navas?
While still as energetic as ever even approaching 40, Porro can certainly feel a little hard done by being left out in favour of a man nearly 15 years his senior.
“There are footballers who are born to compete with the national team and Jesus Navas is one,” De La Fuente said when explaining his decision to choose the Sevilal veteran over Porro, via Marca.
“He was born to be an international player and he never fails, with the enthusiasm he has after winning everything he has won.”
Ex-Newcastle and Leicester man could get first cap
Porro’s mood, meanwhile, is in stark contrast to that of Ayoze Perez.
Released by Leicester City after a disappointing spell at the King Power, the former Newcastle United forward has been rewarded for a stellar season at Real Betis with the chance to earn his first ever international cap at the age of 30.
“I am left with their enthusiasm as well as their talent. They are very versatile,” De La Fuente says of Perez and Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez, also called up for the first time.
“Fermin is going to take a leap with this call. I hope (he and Ayoze) show all the potential they have.”
Ayoze, like Nabil Fekir, Sergio Canales, Isco and co, has been a man reborn at a club where fading stars tend to go to kick-start their careers. The one-time Newcastle talent has 11 goals to show for his efforts across 2024/25.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella is also part of Spain’s 29-man squad, alongside Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
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