Chelsea duo lead Spain's World Cup charge

May 19, 2017 - 11:44 AM Recently crowned English champions Diego Costa and Pedro Rodriguez will lead Spain's attack in a World Cup qualifier next month.

The Chelsea attackers were chosen by coach Julen Lopetegui on Friday when he announced his squad for Spain's June 11 qualifier at Macedonia.

Four days prior, Spain hosts Colombia in a friendly.

Diego Costa has scored 20 Premier League goals this season, with Pedro adding eight, to help Chelsea win the title.

In a list dominated by Real Madrid (six) and Barcelona (five) players, Lopetegui gave Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga his first call-up. He will back up David de Gea and Pepe Reina.

Spain play Colombia in Murcia on June 7, before heading to Skopje to play Macedonia.

Spain are first in European qualifying Group G, tied on points with Italy.

Macedonia are in fifth place, behind Israel and Albania, with three points from five qualifying matches.

While Spain plays Macedonia, Italy host last-place Liechtenstein.

Spain squad is:

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao).

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Sergi Roberto (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion (Atletico), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Francisco "Isco" Alarcon (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Pedro Rodriguez (Chelsea), Gerard Deulofeu (AC Milan), Victor "Vitolo" Machin (Sevilla), Diego Costa (Chelsea), Alvaro Morata (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo).

Source: AAP