While Spain were celebrating their hard-fought 2-0 win over Scotland on Thursday, a victory that leaves qualification for Euro 2024 within reach, Alfonso Pedraza was already in his pyjamas and ready for bed. Suddenly, a call from an unknown number hid the best possible news for the Villarreal CF player.

"I was brushing my teeth and I was just about to go to sleep," says the left-back, still emotional as he explains how he was informed that he was to go to the senior training camp. "When I got to bed, an unknown number called me. It was the last thing I expected. It was the call from the national team and I was very nervous. The first thing I did was to call my parents because it was news that nobody had been expecting".

Obviously, his parents were speechless, but at the same time they were thrilled to know that he was going to be, for the first time, with the national team. "My parents were in shock. For me to call them at 11 o'clock at night to tell them that I'm going to the national team... They were as surprised as I was, but it was spectacular news".

Luis de la Fuente's call-up is recognition of the good work of a defender who has already come through the youth categories and has been welcomed with open arms by a dressing room that is like a group of mates. "I'm very happy for the opportunity I've been given. And I'm adapting to the group, the truth is that the welcome i´ve received has been very good," he reveals.

On Sunday, in Oslo, he has the chance to make his debut in a match that, if Spain win, could mean automatic qualification for UEFA EURO 2024. And 27-year-old Alfonso Pedraza is still grinning from ear to ear, enjoying every minute of the experience. "It's the best thing there is as a footballer. When you're a kid you always dream of making it to the first team, but representing your country is something that very few people get to experience and I have that opportunity.