Soccer

De Gea must play to make Euro 2016 squad, says Del Bosque

Spain manager says it will be difficult to select ’keeper if he is on bench at Man United

Spain manager Vincent del Bosque has said Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea must be playing if he is to be considered for Euro 2016 selection. Photograph: Afp
Spain manager Vincent del Bosque has said Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea must be playing if he is to be considered for Euro 2016 selection. Photograph: Afp
Wed Sept 02 2015 - 09:55

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque admits it will be difficult for him to select David de Gea in his European Championship squad if the goalkeeper remains on the sidelines at Manchester United.

De Gea's long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid fell through on Monday due to miscommunication between the Spanish club and United and he will stay at Old Trafford until at least January.

The 24-year-old is in Del Bosque’s plans for this weekend’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia, but could struggle to reach France if his absence from the United first team continues.

De Gea has yet to make appearance for Louis van Gaal’s side this season.

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When asked if he would counsel the keeper about his current situation in Manchester, Del Bosque told Marca: “No, but if I do feel the need to talk to him about it then I will say something.

“He needs to be professional and move on from this episode.

“I hope that he starts playing again and is happy, and if he plays well we can bring him along, otherwise if he doesn’t play it will be very difficult for him to come (to the Euros).”

De Gea has made five appearances for reigning European champions Spain, whose first-choice stopper remains Porto’s 162-time international Iker Casillas, formerly of Real Madrid.