Isco, Saul axed as talent-rich Spain finalises Euro 2016 squad

There wasn't enough room for Real Madrid midfielder Isco and budding Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez on Spain's Euro 2016 squad, as both men were casualties of Vicente del Bosque's final cuts to get the roster down to 23 men on Tuesday.

(Courtesy: Spain)

The Spaniards announced 19 of the final 23 squad members earlier in the day, with players from the two teams involved in Saturday's Champions League final being forced to wait to learn their fate.

Related: Arsenal's Bellerin called into Spain squad for Euro 2016

Del Bosque needed to chop two of Sergio Ramos, Juanfran, Lucas Vazquez, Koke, Isco, and Saul from his provisional roster, ultimately opting that the latter pair - likely undone by a lack of playing time (Isco) and youth (Saul) - would have to watch the tournament from their respective homes.

Despite the high-profile omissions - which also include the likes of Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and Diego Costa - the defending European champion will once again be expected to challenge for the crown.

Here is the impressive squad in its entirety:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Porto), David De Gea (Manchester United), Sergio Rico (Sevilla).

Defenders: Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Marc Bartra (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Hector Bellerin (Arsenal), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).

Midfielders: Bruno (Villarreal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro (Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea), Koke (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Aritz Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Nolito (Celta Vigo), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).

Spain, slotted in Group D for this summer's competition, will look to navigate a section that includes the Czech Republic, Croatia and Turkey.