Few changes as Del Bosque names Spain squad

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque on Friday named a 23-man squad for his side's two European Championship qualifying ties away to Slovakia and at home to Macedonia on the 5th and 8th of September.

Although Spain are in little danger of failing to qualify they are currently second behind the Slovaks in their qualifying group and need to defeat the side who beat them a year ago, in order to move into first place.

Del Bosque has had some problems with early season injuries in areas such as goal, while Iker Casillas, who has joined Porto, is the only goalkeeper who is actually playing at the moment, given that Kiko Casilla is substitute at Real Madrid and Sergio Rico is also benchwarming at Sevilla, while David de Gea has not played a game at Manchester United due to coach Louis van Gaal's irritation over his long running transfer saga to Real Madrid.

Despite these problems Del Bosque included the trio in his squad, while also recalling fit-again Chelsea striker, Diego Costa and in-form Manchester United midfielder, Juan Mata.

One player who was left out is Juventus striker, Alvaro Morata, who has struggled with fitness issues.

In his press conference Del Bosque commented that he hoped that De Gea' s situation was "resolved before Sept 1st," which is when the squad gets together in Madrid.

Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Sergio Rico.

Defenders. Juanfran, Dani Carvajal, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Marc Bartra, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Juan Berna.

Midfielders: Koke, Sergio Busquets, Juan Mata, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Andres Iniesta, Isco, Vitolo.

Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez, Paco Alcacer, Diego Costa.

Endi