Raul dropped by Spain

Striker Raul has been dropped by Spain for the first time in 10 years.

The Real Madrid striker, the national team's regular captain, was a surprise omission from Luis Aragones' squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden.

The only other occasions when Raul has been left out over the last decade have come when he has been injured.

Aragones explained that he did not feel Raul was in good enough form to be selected, but did stress that his international career was not necessarily over.

"I have chosen the players that I think are in the best form at this moment in time," said Aragones.

"This is a decision for this match alone."

Following Spain's shock defeat to Northern Ireland earlier this month, Aragones has also dropped winger Joaquin, left back Mariano Pernia and midfielder Borja Oubina.

Defenders Michel Salgado and Carlos Marchena are both unavailable because of injury.

Deportivo Coruna full back Joan Capdevila and Valencia winger Miguel Angel Angulo have been called up to the 18-man squad.

Liverpool trio Jose Reina, Luis Garcia and Xabi Alonso have also been included, while Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal makes the cut too.

Jose Antonio Reyes has been retained after impressing for Real Madrid.

Squad in full:

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool); Antonio Lopez, Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito (Real Betis), Joan Capdevila (Deportivo La Coruna), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid); Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Luis Garcia, Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), David Albelda, Miguel Angel Angulo (Valencia) Jose Antonio Reyes (Real Madrid); Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Valencia)