Spain has announced their final 23 man squad for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2008, and came with some surprises. These surprises came with many disappointments and heartbreaks as well.

Luis Aragones, Spain’s national team coach has included some youngsters, perhaps to give them the very much required experience while some older figures have been left behind, perhaps for the betterment of the often times underachieving Spain side.

The main surprises perhaps would be the leaving out of Spain’s former captain, who holds the record as the all time highest scorer Raul. The teenager from Barcelona, who has had a great season Bojan Krkic has been left out as well. Aragones instead has chosen to bring in surprise picks Santi Cazorla who plays for Villareal and Sergio Garcia from Real Zaragoza.

To some, the exclusion of Raul is no surprise, considering that he has yet to play a game since September 2006. Most of the media has been rallying for him to be included in the squad as he has been Real’s top scorer ever since re-discovering his form this season, scoring 18 goals in the process.

His international record speaks of 44 goals and 102 caps making him the most capped and most goals player in the country. Raul first played for Spain in October 1996. Aragones, who defended his choices is speaking in terms of country over player. he said “It isn't a case of ending the debate over Raul. I focus on the players not the clubs. There are other players who have scored more goals (than Raul) per minutes played, and they aren't coming either.”

Barcelona youngster Bojan Krkic however has voiced his intention for  rest with Aragones, which pretty much sums up why he won’t be travelling to Austria and Switzerland. Aragones said that “I spoke with Bojan and he told me he was physically and mentally tired and I trust him when he says he isn't in the best shape to come.”

Aragones’ choices so far could be contributed to how the La Liga has been panned out with off form players like Joaquin, Fernando Morientes, Luis Garcia and Raul Tamuda all failing to make the cut as their clubs have been in bad form lately. Marcos Senna, Cazorla and Joan Capdevila made it as Villareas has had a great season, finishing second on top of Barcelona.  

Five players from the English Premier League will be playing in the Spanish team where 1 is playing in Arsenal FC while the other 4 play for Liverpool FC.

The Spain National Team for UEFA EURO 2008.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Andres Palop (Sevilla)

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Raul Albiol (Valencia), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Fernando Navarro (Real Mallorca), Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool), Juanito (Real Betis)

Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Ruben de la Red (Getafe), Marcos Senna (Villarreal)

Forwards: David Villa (Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Real Mallorca), Sergio Garcia (Real Zaragoza), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)