Spain's March squad adds Arsenal's Cristhian Mosquera and Barcelona keeper Joan García, strengthening defensive options. For punters, a tighter backline and Rodri's return point to Spain controlling midfield and low-scoring friendlies—consider Spain -1 Asian handicap or under 2.5 goals in the Serbia and Egypt matches as likely value bets.
Spain call up Mosquera and Joan García for March friendlies vs Serbia and Egypt
Spain have named a 27-man squad for March friendlies against Serbia (March 27, Villarreal) and Egypt (March 31, Barcelona), with Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera and Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García earning their first senior call-ups. Coach Luis de la Fuente praised Mosquera’s leadership and García’s consistent form, highlighting the federation’s intent to expand defensive depth ahead of competitive windows in a World Cup year.
Key inclusions and notable omissions
Mosquera, 21, has become a regular at Arsenal since his summer move from Valencia, appearing 25 times this season. Joan García, rewarded after 11 clean sheets in 22 league games for Barcelona, is one of seven Barça players in the squad. Real Madrid are lightly represented, with defender Dean Huijsen the only call-up; Dani Carvajal was omitted after limited club minutes following an ACL recovery.
Rodri’s fitness and midfield structure
Manchester City midfielder Rodri returns to full fitness and is back in contention after a lengthy recovery from an earlier ACL tear. De la Fuente described him as a key figure who is regaining match sharpness. The midfield group also features Pedri, Martín Zubimendi, Carlos Soler and Pablo Fornals, offering a mix of possession control and pressing ability.
Attack led by Lamine Yamal
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal will spearhead the attack after a standout club campaign (21 goals, 16 assists to date). Spain must cope without Athletic Club forward Nico Williams due to injury, but the forward options remain versatile with Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres and others available.
Spain squad (27 players)
Goalkeepers: Unai Simón (Athletic Club), David Raya (Arsenal), Álex Remiro (Real Sociedad), Joan García (Barcelona)
Defenders: Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Club), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Cristhian Mosquera (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Pablo Fornals (Betis), Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal), Carlos Soler (Real Sociedad), Fermín López (Barcelona)
Forwards: Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad), Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta)
What this means on the pitch
The selections point to a Spain side built around possession control and defensive resilience. Mosquera’s inclusion adds pace and composure to the backline, while García’s presence increases competition for the goalkeeper spot. With Rodri moving back toward peak condition, Spain can expect a more stable defensive-midfield axis.
Betting implications
Expect Spain to dominate possession and limit opponent chances in friendly settings. Markets to consider: Spain -1 Asian handicap, under 2.5 total goals in either friendly, and player markets for Lamine Yamal to be involved in a goal.
Max Dowman does not need protecting - he can be England's Lamine Yamal
Monitor final lineups for Carvajal-related left-back rotations and Rodri’s minutes to adjust live bets.
Espn United Kingdom
