International squads

Iñaki Sáez named a twenty man squad for Spain's upcoming Euro 2004 play-offs against Norway. Raúl Bravo's good form at the heart of Real Madrid's defence has earned him a recall, and his team mate Guti is also back. Deportivo defender César (who thankfully missed the 8-3 thrashing midweek) will replace Betis defender Juanito. The first leg will be at home in Valencia's Mestalla stadium on 15th November, with the return in Norway the following Wednesday. The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Cañizares (Valencia)
Defenders: Puyol (Barcelona), César (Deportivo), Iván Helguera, Michel Salgado and Raúl Bravo (Real Madrid), Marchena (Valencia)
Midfielders: Etxeberría (Athletic Bilbao), Joaquín (Betis), Valerón (Deportivo), Guti (Real Madrid), Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad), Albelda, Baraja and Vicente (Valencia)
Forwards: Fernando Torres (Atlético Madrid), Luque (Deportivo), Raúl (Real Madrid) and Reyes (Sevilla).

Spain's under 21 side also have an important date next week, with their own European qualifying round against Sweden coming up. Athletic Bilbao's Iraola is the only new face, and Barcelona's Iniesta drops out as the joint managers have preferred to include him in the under 20 squad which will be taking part in the youth World Cup later this month. The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Víctor Valdés (Barcelona), Reina (Villarreal)
Defenders: Pablo (Albacete), Del Horno and Iraola (Athletic Bilbao), Angel (Celta), David García and Jarque (Espanyol), Rubén (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Parri (Albacete), Jorge (Atlético Madrid), Arzu (Betis), Riera (Bordeaux), Borja (Real Madrid), Valdo (Osasuna), Arteta (Rangers), Corona (Zaragoza)
Forwards: Rubén Castro (Las Palmas), Aganzo (Levante), David Villa (Zaragoza).

The first leg will be in Sweden on Saturday 15th and the return leg will be played at Extramadura's stadium in Almendralejo on Wednesday the 19th. (06.11.03)