Just a few days before their Euro 2016 campaign, Spain were rocked by reports that David de Gea was implicated in a sex scandal but the Manchester United goalkeeper has stated that he is innocent. However national manager Vicente del Bosque has dropped a big hint that he will start De Gea against the Czech Republic.
The saviour of Old Trafford has had a tough time getting into the Spain first team despite his brilliance for Manchester United, because of the manager’s insistence on playing an aging Iker Casillas. However, Euro 2016 could well be his big break, and Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has dropped a hint that he could start ahead of Casillas.
“[The De Gea situation] has been explained and the goalkeeper’s calm. I’ve gone back and forth, but before this all happened, I’d already decided on the issue of starting goalkeeper,” said Del Bosque, according to Football Espana.
“We’re representing our country and we must adopt good conduct. We believe that De Gea will shut everything out.”
De Gea will be protected by a back four consisting of a mix of La Liga’s best with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid defenders Juanfran, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba set to start. A Barcelona midfield engine of Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets will look to dominate the midfield, with Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas and Manchester City magician David Silva playing in a more advanced role.
The Juventus striker that everybody wants will start up front, as 23-year-old Alvaro Morata has the chance to make a name for himself on the international stage and justify whatever price tag is coming his way. He will be supported by the wily Celta Vigo striker Nolito, who has excelled in La Liga this past season.
The Czech Republic will be heavily dependent on their goalkeeper and arguably best footballer in Arsenal keeper Petr Cech. The rest of the team will be anchored by Arsenal legend Tomas Rosicky, though the 35-year-old is no longer the force he once was. Manager Pavel Vrba has a fully fit squad to choose from for their tough opening fixture.
