Juanfran, Koke, Saúl named to Spain's provisional Euro 2016 squad

Tuesday afternoon brought news of altered vacation plans for 25 lucky Spaniards as Vicente del Bosque named his 25-man provisional squad ahead of this summer's EURO 2016 in France. While the majority of the squad was apparently not selected on merit - how else do the 2016 versions of Cesc Fàbregas and Pedro get in? - we won't delve into del Bosque's entire thought process here. (He's taking only two true forwards, guys).

In more relevant developments, del Bosque named three Atlético Madrid players to the team, all of whom deserved their place. Juanfran and Koke are sure bets to play in France this summer while Saúl Ñíguez's presence is less of a certainty due to the depth and experience in Spain's midfield.

Juanfran is one of two right-backs in the squad, the other being Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal. The 31-year-old has 16 caps to his name since debuting in 2012. He did not play as Spain dominated EURO 2012 but he is expected to be ever-present in the XI this summer.

Koke has won 21 caps for Spain since his debut in 2013. Still only 24, Koke is emblematic of the next generation of Spanish midfield talent, but his spot in the XI is not exactly nailed-on. (Ask for my opinion on that.)

Saúl is the most intriguing selection. A marvelous first season as an integral part of Atlético led to his inclusion in this squad, although he may face an uphill battle to join the festivities in France. Saúl has never been capped for the senior team and again, there is no lack of experience in that midfield. Aside from teammate Koke, del Bosque can call on Thiago Alcântara, Bruno, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Isco and what's left of Fàbregas ahead of Saúl - again, not necessarily on the basis of merit. Regardless, this will be a great experience for the canterano and at his current rate of progression, he will be a fixture in the Spain midfield under del Bosque's replacement.

The most notable exclusion from the Spain squad is that of Fernando Torres. Many had tipped Torres to enter into del Bosque's plans after an excellent second half of the season which saw him finish the league season with 11 goals - his highest tally since 2009-10. El Niño's vast international experience - 110 caps, 38 goals, World Cup winner, two-time Euros winner with goals in both finals - and his resurgence in form were not enough to convince del Bosque that he should join Aritz Aduriz and Álvaro Morata as options up front this time around.