"?Former England striker Michael Owen has compared Diego Costa's omission from Spain's Euro 2016 squad to Paul Gascoigne being left out of England's group for the 1998 World Cup, claiming that the choice could have been made on the grounds of team morale.
The fiery Chelsea striker has had his fair share of bust-ups in his career, and has failed to ever really show his best for Spain - scoring once in 10 games since switching allegiances from Brazil.
Owen told the "?Mirror: "I suppose if you know you're not going to be starting them, do you want them in the squad potentially disrupting the harmony in the camp?
"It's similar to Gazza in "?98. Hoddle wanted to start with Scholes and wasn't sure about having Paul in the squad if he wasn't playing so he overlooked him. We've seen sulky players in the France squad who have caused an implosion and derailed any chances of success so I can understand the philosophy."
Owen's former England teammate Danny Mills agreed, saying: "A Diego Costa sat on the bench could become a harmful figure in the squad so it's a risk taking him if you're not going to make him a starter."?
Just saw young kid wearing current Spain away kit with "Diego Costa" on the back. He's not in the squad. And he's a total bastard. Poor kid.
Despite Costa's absence, Owen had positive words on Spain's overall chances as they look to defend their crown, saying: "You have to think Spain will top the group but you could make a case for any of the others to finish in any order."
He added: "Spain had a bit of an ageing squad at the World Cup two years ago and couldn't stay the distance. Their squad looks fresher now with Saul Niguez, Thiago and Koke providing some youthful exuberance."?
For more from Chris when he's not writing on 90min, follow him on Twitter at @ThatChris1209!
Don't miss out - subscribe to the 90min podcast - now on iTunes HERE and back on SoundCloud over here!"?