18 months ago, Luis de la Fuente took Spain back to the mountaintop of European football, winning UEFA Euro 2024 and doing so well ahead of schedule. His young team was unquestionably talented, but being led by young prodigies Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, success was expected to come later, and a semi-final berth in Germany would have been considered an overachievement. However, after topping Group A in the group stage with three straight victories – two of them coming against Croatia and reigning champions Italy – it became clear that this La Roja side was already primed and ready for glory.

As we all remember, Spain came into their own in the knockout round. Rank outsiders Georgia were promptly dispatched, as were hosts Germany, tournament favourites France, and finally England in the Berlin showpiece. And it’s that triumph, coupled with some blistering displays in World Cup Qualifying, which has prompted online betting sites to expect more fireworks from de la Fuente’s men in North America this summer. 

The latest Lucky Rebel World Cup odds have listed the reigning European Champions as a 9/2 favourite to follow up their Euro 2024 success by adding a second World Cup to their trophy haul. But which of Spain’s stars of 18 months ago likely won’t feature at all in North America? Let’s take a look. 

Alvaro Morata 

Striker Alvaro Morata has been much maligned throughout his career, especially at club level. His stints with Chelsea, AC Milan, and Real Madrid were all underwhelming. On the international stage, however, the former Juventus man has always delivered. 

Back at Euro 2024, Morata was Spain’s captain, and he consistently delivered on the road to Berlin. He netted his only goal of the tournament in the opening game against Croatia, and while he may not have bagged any more, he led from the front. The veteran striker was consistently pressing opposition defenders, linking up with midfielders Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz, helping craft opportunities for both of them, as well as wingers Yamal and Williams. 

However, at 33 years of age and having been shipped out on loan to Como, Morata is unlikely to be involved at the World Cup. He hasn’t scored a single goal for Cesc Fabregas’ side since joining in the summer, and he hasn’t been involved in the national team setup since the opening round of World Cup qualifiers back in September. Instead, Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal or Barcelona’s Ferran Torres is expected to start up front for La Roja’s opening game at the World Cup against Cape Verde on June 15th in Atlanta. 

Dani Carvajal 

Fullback Dani Carvajal shone at Euro 2024, neutralising superstars such as Kylian Mbappe and Phil Foden throughout Spain’s run. In the final against England, he used all his experience to push La Roja on to victory before being surprisingly overlooked for Team of the Tournament honours in favour of Three Lions counterpart Kyle Walker. Still, the winner’s medal meant far more.

Unfortunately for the Real Madrid man, his 18 months since helping Spain to the trophy in Berlin have largely been spent in the treatment room. A cruciate ligament tear in the autumn of 2024 saw him make just 14 appearances last season. This term, he returned to the first team fold and immediately reclaimed his starting role at the Bernabeu, keeping new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold on the sidelines. However, more injury woes have since struck, and it remains to be seen if he will return to full fitness and peak form by the time the summer rolls around. 

At 34 years of age, his powers of recovery aren’t what they once were, and Spain manager de la Fuente already seemingly has his first choice right back lined up in the form of Tottenham’s Pedro Porro. It would be a huge surprise to see Carvajal force his way back into the national team setup. 

Robin Le Normand 

At Euro 2024, Spain had a surprisingly all-French central defensive partnership with Aymeric Laporte playing alongside Robin Le Normand. Both players are France-born; however, they became eligible for Spain via naturalisation after spending numerous years playing in La Liga. Les Bleus’ loss ultimately went on to become La Roja’s gain as the odd defensive duo went on to help Spain to the trophy, defeating France in the process. 

Now, the Atletico Madrid defender remains in the national team picture, but the emergence of Barcelona’s teenage sensation Pau Cubarsi means that Le Normand will likely have to settle for a place on the bench. The 19-year-old started four out of Spain’s six World Cup qualifiers, and he will be starting at the World Cup; of that, there is no doubt. Now, the only question is who starts alongside him. Le Normand or Laporte. It seems as though the latter is the consensus pick.