Robin Le Normand, a recently naturalized French central defender, was called up for the first time with La Roja on Friday, for the final phase of the League of Nations scheduled for June 14 to 18 in the Netherlands.
The Real Sociedad player (26), who obtained Spanish nationality on May 24, is the big novelty on the list of 23 players called up by coach Luis de la Fuente for the semi-final against Italy, the June 15 in Enschede. If successful, Spain would meet the Netherlands or Croatia in the final on June 18.
Born in Pabu, in the Côtes d’Armor, and trained at Stade Brestois, Le Normand has been playing at Real Sociedad since 2016. One day from the end, the Basque club is assured of 4th place in La Liga, qualifying for the Champions League.
The Norman follows the same path as Aymeric Laporte, naturalized before Euro-2021. The Manchester City defender, who has 20 caps in the Spanish jersey, is also on the list.
In addition to the novice Le Normand, the goalkeeper of Athletic Bilbao Unai Simón, injured during the last meeting in March, is this time summoned.
Also returning are Paris SG defender Juan Bernat, who has not played for Spain since November 2019, as well as Betis midfielder Sergio Canales and Leeds striker Rodrigo Moreno.
The list of 23 Spanish players called up for the final phase of the League of Nations:
Goalkeepers (3): Kepa (Chelsea/ENG), Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Brentford/ENG)
Defenders (7): Jesús Navas (Seville FC), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City/ENG), David García (Osasuna), Robin Le Normand (Real Sociedad), Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona), Juan Bernat (Paris Saint-Germain/ FRA), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Milieux (6): Rodrigo Hernández (Manchester City/ENG), Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Gavi (FC Barcelona), Sergio Canales (Betis)
Attackers (7): Morata (Atletico Madrid), Joselu (Espanyol), Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds United/ENG), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Dani Olmo (Leipzig/GER), Yeremy Pino (Villareal)