Last term's player of the season only returned to training earlier this week after helping England reach the final of Euro 2024.

But Eddie Howe has named him in the XI to face Los Blanquivermells, with the Magpies' first Premier League fixture of the 2024-25 campaign just eight days away.

Nick Pope starts in goal, with Dan Burn captaining the side. Jamie Miley is handed another opportunity to impress, having featured regularly in both defence and midfield this pre-season.

Alexander Isak leads the line against a side who will be playing in the Champions League this season, having finished third in La Liga last term.

John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are both on an otherwise young bench, with Howe expected to name a completely different starting XI against Brest on Saturday to maximise his players' game time ahead of the big kick off against Southampton.

Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Emil Krafth, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Jacob Murphy, Dan Burn (c), Jamie Miley, Sean Longstaff

Substitutes: John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie, Harrison Ashby, Cathal Heffernan, Ben Parkinson, Ellis Stanton, Alfie Harrison, Travis Hernes, Anthony Munda, Trevan Sanusi, Leo Shahar