New-look Spain set for test against revived France

ParisAfter their abject failure at the World Cup Spain have a new look as they begin preparations for the defence of the European Championship with a friendly against France on ThursdayJust over two months on from their groupstage elimination as World Cup holders in Brazil coach Vicente del Bosque takes a squad that is a mixture of familiar faces and potential stars of the future for the match at the Stade de France the venue for the Euro 2016 finalIker Casillas Pic AFPXavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso veterans of the side that won Euro 2008 the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 have retired from international football following in the footsteps of David Villa Pepe Reina Fernando Torres and Juan Mata were all omitted while fitness problems of varying degrees have ruled out Gerard Pique Andres Iniesta and Javi MartinezOf the new faces five are uncapped and four are aged 23 or under including Valencia striker Paco Alcacer Others like 28yearold Atletico Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia have had to wait a little longer for their opportunity They all join 22yearold Atletico midfielder Koke who went to the World Cup but is now expected to take on extra responsibility Its a team for now with a view to two years down the line explained del Bosque after unveiling his squad with the aim of Thursdays match being to prepare for their opening Euro 2016 qualifying Group C fixture against Macedonia in Valencia on MondayWe have come up with a squad that is a consequence of our bad performance but the World Cup has not left any effects nor do I think we need to change our way of acting in the future Defender Sergio Ramos another survivor from Euro 2008 called for La Roja to get back to basics We are going to try to get back to what we were and forget about the success we have had because we cant always live off that said the Real Madrid defender a veteran of over 100 caps as he arrived for the squad gettogether this week France reputation enhanced In contrast to Spain France came out of the World Cup with their reputation greatly enhanced a narrow quarterfinal defeat to eventual winners Germany coming after some impressive performances in the group stage Coach Didier Deschamps is now embarking on a twoyear run of friendlies before France hosts Euro 2016 where they will be expected to feature prominently with a squad that is a healthy mix of youth and experienceIndeed Deschamps only made three changes to his World Cup squad for the game and Sundays friendly against Serbia in Belgrade with one the return of fitagain Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda in place of the retired Mickael Landreau Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette and Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu have also been recalled with Arsenal duo Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny injured But Deschamps has admitted that his starting lineup against the reigning European champions may be the same as that which took to the field against Germany at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on July 4We have two matches very close together but the team which starts on Thursday will be close to that which started against Germany said Deschamps who added that his priority is to make sure his team are as competitive as possible in two yearsThere will of course be no Franck Ribery the Bayern Munich winger who missed the World Cup with a back injury and has now retired from international football to the surprise of many France lost 20 to Spain at the Euro 2012 quarterfinals and finished second behind La Roja in qualifying for the World Cup drawing 11 in Madrid and then losing 10 at home in Paris in March last year However fullback Bacary Sagna insists France are a different proposition now We are more respected than a few years ago he saidWe have shown that we are ready to fight to give everything for the shirt We have more confidence in ourselves Other countries fear France more and more