Sunday, May 27, 2012

Torres retains place in Spain's Euro 2012 squad as Soldado misses out

Vicente del Bosque has unveiled the names of the players that he will take to Poland and Ukraine, with the Chelsea striker and team-mate Juan Mata making the cut

 


 



 Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has been named in Spain's 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

The Spaniard has struggled for form this season, scoring just six league goals in 32 appearances, but has made the cut along with club team-mate Juan Mata.

Vicente del Bosque has made a total of nine changes to the squad, adding players from Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao to his list after they were involved in the Copa del Rey final on Friday.

Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez, who turned in an impressive substitute display in Saturday's 2-0 friendly victory against Serbia, is a surprise omission, with Roberto Soldado having also been left out of the selection.

Earlier in the month, Del Bosque had hinted that Pedro was likely to stay at home, but the Barcelona striker has been included in the 23-man party after netting twice in the Copa del Rey final.

Spain will kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Italy on June 10 before meeting Republic of Ireland (June 14) and Croatia (June 18).

Prior to the start of the tournament, the World and European Champions will play two friendlies against South Korea and China.

Spain's Euro squad in full:
Name Club
Goalkeepers:  
Iker Casillas Real Madrid
Pepe Reina Liverpool
Victor Valdes Barcelona
Defenders:  
Raul Albiol Real Madrid
Jordi Alba Valencia
Alvaro Arbeloa Real Madrid
Sergio Ramos Real Madrid
Juanfran Torres Atletico Madrid
Gerard Pique Barcelona
Javi Martinez Athletic Bilbao
Midfielders:  
Sergio Busquets Barcelona
Xavi Barcelona
Andres Iniesta Barcelona
Xabi Alonso Real Madrid
Santi Cazorla Malaga
Cesc Fabregas Barcelona
David Silva Manchester City
Jesus Navas Sevilla
Juan Mata Chelsea
Attackers  
Pedro Barcelona
Alvaro Negredo Sevilla
Fernando Torres Chelsea
Fernando Llorente Athletic Bilbao                                                                  
  

Source : Goal.com