Isco & Saul Left out of Spain Squad

The Real and Atletico Madrid midfielders are surprising omissions from Vicente del Bosque's final 23-man team for the summer showpiece in France despite bright campaigns

Posted Wednesday, June 01, 2016 by Goal.com

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has left Saul Niguez and Isco out of his final 23-man squad for Euro 2016.

The reigning champions named a 19-man group earlier on Tuesday, leaving four places available for six contenders from Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid following the Champions League final.

Sergio Ramos, Koke, Lucas Vazquez and Juanfran have made the cut, with midfield duo Isco and Saul missing out.

Juanfran's inclusion comes as little surprise given the injury to Dani Carvajal, which ruled him out of the tournament. Arsenal youngster Hector Bellerin was added as his direct replacement.

Isco & Saul Left out of Spain Squad

Saul has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Atletico but has yet to make a senior appearance for Spain, despite being called up for the first time for a friendly with Costa Rica last May.

Isco, meanwhile, has been used inconsistently by Zinedine Zidane during the second half of Madrid's season, although he did only miss two Liga games between January 9 and the end of the campaign.

"We've tried to get a balance in the squad," Del Bosque said following the squad announcement. "There are more who we could have taken.

"I haven't spoken with those who were left out personally. Everyone wanted to be there but we only have 23 positions. Every player on the list is there because we value them. The responsibility is ours."