The heat had barely begun to soften over Las Rozas when Spain’s world champions finally stepped onto the training pitch. Almost 2,000 supporters had gathered at the national team’s base outside Madrid, turning the first session since the triumph in the United States into a full-scale public celebration.
Some fans arrived at 1pm to watch the players reach Ciudad del Fútbol and waited around six hours before the squad appeared for the evening workout. Others were left outside after the available space was filled.
Quick facts
- Nearly 2,000 supporters attended Spain’s open training session at Las Rozas.
- Spain face England at Wembley on Saturday at 20:45 in their first Nations League match.
- Pedro Porro has withdrawn from the squad and Ivan Fresneda has been called up in his place.
- Twenty-one World Cup winners are in the current Spain group.
- Spain will also meet Croatia twice and the Czech Republic during the October window.
The stands offered a picture of Spain’s different generations. Lamine Yamal shirts were prominent among younger supporters, while the names of Aymeric Laporte, Pedri, Marc Cucurella and even Xabi Alonso could also be seen.
Rodri received one of the loudest welcomes as he emerged, while chants also greeted Pedri, Cucurella, head coach Luis de la Fuente and Paris player Ferran Torres. The crowd stayed engaged throughout a session lasting close to an hour.
The players began with rondos and ball-retention exercises before moving into small-sided games. It was a light but closely watched return to work after the World Cup success.
Saturday’s trip to Wembley opens Spain’s Nations League campaign. De la Fuente’s side will then host Croatia on October 3, welcome the Czech Republic three days later, and travel to Croatia on October 9.
The group was initially expected to include 22 World Cup winners, but full-back Pedro Porro was ruled out. Ivan Fresneda has taken his place for the international gathering.
