Isco returns to the Spanish national team after an absence of six years. The 33-year-old midfielder from Real Betis has been called up by national coach Luis de la Fuente for the Nations League final tournament.
Spain will face France in the semi-finals on June 5. The other semi-final will be between Portugal and Germany.
Isco has had a good season with Betis, with whom he will play in the Conference League final against Chelsea on Wednesday. The club from Seville finished sixth in La Liga.
Isco left Real Madrid in 2022, where he was no longer in the plans. After a year at Sevilla, he moved to city rivals Betis. He plays a key role in the attacking style of play of trainer Manuel Pellegrini. “I am proud to be back in the selection,” Isco was quoted as saying on his club’s website.
The Dutch-born defender Dean Huijsen is also in De la Fuente’s selection, as are Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Nico Williams, among others.
Spain were too strong for the Dutch national team in the quarter-finals of the Nations League in March this year. It was 2-2 in Rotterdam and 3-3 in Valencia. The Spaniards then took the penalties better.