Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images
With the Spanish national team squad list for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers being announced last week, it featured two Real Madrid players – Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen.
The likes of Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras, Dani Ceballos, and young forward Gonzalo Garcia were all not considered for selection by manager Luis de la Fuente.
Gonzalo Garcia trains with Spain NT
While Gonzalo might have been excluded from the Spain NT call-up, he was named in the U-21 squad by David Gordo for their U21 Euro qualifiers, along with fellow Real Madrid starlet Fran Gonzalez.
Yet, as reported by AS, Gonzalo was called up by De la Fuente for the senior session along with his Real Madrid teammate Fran Gonzalez as well as two other players from the U-21 squad in Fer Lopez and Rodri Mendoza.
As previously reported, Gonzalo is in contention to earn a place in De la Fuente’s squad for the next World Cup in 2026.
The Real Madrid forward has a year to convince the national coach, who is closely monitoring him. The striker will be competing for a spot in an attack that currently raises doubts.
Alvaro Morata’s form is uncertain, while Samu Omorodion has yet to fully adapt to the national team’s style. Mikel Oyarzabal is a guaranteed selection when fit, but injuries have prevented him from enjoying more continuity.
As such, Gonzalo got an opportunity to make an impression on De la Fuente today as he completed his first training session with the senior national team during this international break.
Following his breakthrough performances at the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer, where he finished as the top scorer, Gonzalo has been officially promoted to the first team by Real Madrid and is expected to have a key role in Xabi Alonso’s plans.