• Villa is Spain’s all-time top goalscorer with 59 from 97 caps • Diego Costa excluded for games against Italy and LiechtensteinDavid Villa is set for a surprise return to international football after he was called up to the Spain squad for the first time since the 2014 World Cup. Gareth Southgate may still turn to Wayne Rooney for 2018 World Cup Read more“We believe that calling up Villa is necessary and appropriate,” Julen Lopetegui, the Spain manager, said. Costa continues to be in exile from Chelsea after falling out with the manager, Antonio Conte, and did not play any part in pre-season. Two uncapped players, the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and the Milan midfielder Suso, have also been named in the squad. Spain host Italy on 2 September for what is likely to be a decisive fixture in group G, with both teams on 16 points after six games, before travelling to Liechtenstein on 5 September.

Source: The Guardian August 25, 2017 11:30 UTC