Robert Sanchez could start for Spain at Euro 2020

Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will be given the chance by Spain coach Luis Enrique to prove himself in La Roja’s upcoming Euro 2020 warm-up friendly against Portugal and has even been tipped to land himself the role as surprise starter for the tournament itself.

Sanchez is one of only two uncapped players in Spain’s 24-player squad and was expected to be third choice behind Unai Simon and David de Gea when the squad was first announced.

The 23-year-old, who is half-English and has been with Brighton since the age of 15, was called up by Spain for the first time in March, having only taken over as Brighton starter in December.

Sanchez has spent time on loan at Forest Green and Rochdale since 2018 and Spanish broadcaster Deportes Cuatro labels the player as the ‘great novelty’ of the squad owing to his very sudden emergence onto the scene. But he could potentially do more this summer than simply make up the numbers and it may hinge on a good performance against Portugal.

A decision won’t be made until after that game, but Deportes Cuatro claims that Sanchez is winning the race to be chosen by Enrique ahead of both Simon and De Gea. Spain will also go on to face Lithuania in a final warm-up game a few days later.

Enrique is said to have ‘full confidence’ in Sanchez and the logic behind his possible inclusion as a starter is a strong ability with the ball at his feet that fits into the coach’s system.

Simon himself is only relatively new to the international scene, making his debut under a year ago, but had been expected to be number one after successfully usurping De Gea this season.

Spain’s first game at Euro 2020 is against Sweden at La Cartuja de Sevilla on 14 June. Their remaining group games against Poland and Slovakia will be played at the same venue on 19 June and 23 June respectively.

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