Last week, France head coach Didier Deschamps provided the big shock by recalling Karim Benzema for Euro 2020. This week, the surprising news comes from the Spanish camp with Luis Enrique deciding against calling Sergio Ramos.
Former Barcelona head coach named just 24 players in the final list, despite UEFA increasing the maximum squad capacity to 26. Meanwhile, Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte received his first call-up to the Spanish national team, despite representing France at several youth levels.
When enquired about Ramos’ absence from the squad, Enrique pointed out the Real Madrid captain’s lack of involvement in first-team football this season. The experienced center-back had faced injury troubles this term and had missed most of the final stretch of the season.
“It is possible as players like Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos [had] injuries during the season,”
Enrique said.
Ramos took to Twitter to air his grievances following his snub. The 35-year-old lamented that he had worked hard to be fit in time for the Euros and was disappointed to be left out.
Enrique named no Real Madrid star in the 24-man squad
Meanwhile, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was also snubbed by Enrique, who decided to pick Brighton’s Robert Sanchez as his third-choice goalkeeper instead.
There were also shock call-ups for Premier League stars Diego Llorente (Leeds) and Adama Traore (Wolverhampton), who have had their troubles with injuries and form this season.
Furthermore, the Spanish coach decided to include only two out-and-out strikers in his final squad – Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno.
