Bojan leads way for Spain

FC Barcelona forward Bojan Krkić has been included in the Spain squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, but coach Ramón López Caro will be without Azulgrana pair Gerard Piqué and Sergio Busquets as well as Valencia CF's Juan Mata, who have all been called up to the senior team for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Fighting spirit
Despite those absentees, López Caro can draw on players with a wealth of Liga experience. Real Valladolid goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, Getafe CF midfielder Esteban Granero and the CA Osasuna defensive pairing of César Azpilicueta and Ignacio Monreal all come into the tournament with confidence high after helping their respective teams to remain in the top flight following a dramatic final day of the season. Spain will play all of their Group B games against Germany, England and Finland at the Gamla Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg between 15 and 22 June.

Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Asenjo (Real Valladolid CF), Roberto Jiménez (RC Recreativo de Huelva), Antonio Adán (Real Madrid CF).

Defenders: Chico (UD Almería), César Azpilicueta (CA Osasuna), Nacho Monreal (CA Osasuna), Sergio Sánchez (RCD Espanyol), Marc Torrejón (RCD Espanyol), Miguel Torres (Real Madrid CF), Iván Marcano (Real Racing Club).

Midfielders: Javi Martínez (Athletic Club Bilbao), Raúl García (Club Atlético de Madrid), Esteban Granero (Getafe CF), Sisi (RC Recreativo de Huelva), Javi García (Real Madrid CF), Mario Suárez (RCD Mallorca), José Manuel Jurado (RCD Mallorca), Pedro León (Real Racing Club), Diego Capel (Sevilla FC).

Forwards: Bojan Krkić (FC Barcelona), Adrián López (Málaga CF), Xisco (Newcastle United FC), Jonathan Pereira (Real Racing Club).