The in-form winger has not featured for his country since last summer's European Championships in France but has been named in Julen Lopetegui's 25-man squad, which also includes Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Lopetegui commented on Pedro's selection as well as his decision not to include two of our other Spaniards who have impressed this season, Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Alonso.

'Pedro is a long-established name in the national team, he is performing at a good level, is the perfect age and is producing for Chelsea,' said Lopetegui.

'Marcos Alonso is playing very well at Chelsea with a different system. We've watched him but we've decided on (Nacho) Monreal and Jordi Alba.

'It's true that Cesc is playing more minutes in his team and it's true that we've also thought about his inclusion, we had Cesc in our minds.

'It's not easy to finalise the list, there are a lot of players on the pre-list which we like, but in the end we've finalised the squad with the players we feel have to have more presence with us. But we don't choose some and discard others because it is an ongoing thing.'

Spain play Israel in a World Cup qualifier in Gijon on Friday 24 March, and four days later take on France in a friendly in Paris.

The 2010 World Cup winners are top of Group G on goal difference from Italy, with both nations on 10 points after four games. Israel are third with nine points.

Spain squad to play Israel and France: De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Napoli), Rico (Sevilla); Alba (Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho (Real Madrid), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid), J Martinez (Bayern Munich); Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Herrera (Manchester United), Busquets (Barcelona), Iniesta (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Silva (Manchester City), Deulofeu (AC Milan); Pedro (Chelsea), Costa (Chelsea), Vitolo (Sevilla), Morata (Real Madrid), Aspas (Celta Vigo).