Raul overlooked for Spanish qualifier

Spain's Raul (C) holds off the challenge of two Northern Ireland defenders during the Euro 2008 qualifier on September 6. Raul has been left off the squad chosen by national boss Luis Aragones for next week's Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden.

Real Madrid's Spanish international captain Raul has been left off the squad chosen by national boss Luis Aragones for next week's Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden.

Valencia striker Miguel Angel Angulo was preferred over the 29-year-old Raul after scoring for his side in their 2-1 Champions League win against AS Roma this week.

Despite scoring twice in Real's 5-1 Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev, Raul is believed to be paying the price for Spain's humiliating 3-2 loss in their Euro qualifier against Northern Ireland earlier this month.

It is the first time since his first call-up on October 9, 1996 against the Czech Republic that Raul, who has scored 44 goals and has 102 caps, has been left out of the national side while neither injured or suspended.

Aragones said: "I never had problems with Raul on the Spanish team, but the players who were called up are those who are the best suited to the match that we have to play."

Spain play Sweden on October 7 and a friendly against Argentina four days later.

Spanish squad

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool/ENG)

Defenders: Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Juanito (Real Betis), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Deportivo La Coruna)

Midfielders: Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal/ENG), Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Xavi (FC Barcelona), David Albelda (Valencia), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool/ENG), Luis Garcia (Liverpool/ENG), Jose Antonio Reyes (Real Madrid)

Strikers: Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Valencia), Miguel Angel Angulo (Valencia)