SPAIN COACH VICENTE del Bosque has announced his 23-man squad which will try and defend the European crown in Poland and the Ukraine this summer.
As expected, there is no place for the injured David Villa or Carles Puyol.
Champions League winner, Fernando Torres makes the cut despite poor form since moving to Chelsea.
He is chosen ahead of Roberto Soldado, but must compete with Pedro, Alvaro Negredo and Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente for a starting position.
Llorente’s team-mate, Andoni Iraola, has missed out through injury, so Juanfran looks set to fill his role at fullback as Sergio Ramos is required in central defence.
“It’s a thoughtful list” DelBosque told Marca, “we have taken many turns. Pain is not being able to bring more people.”
“All who have been with us may feel a little hurt.” Added the coach, “but they must be aware that they were very close to the team”
Like Ireland, Spain have chosen seven defenders in their squad, but have picked one less attacker due to the vast array of creative options in midfield.
Spain squad for Euro 2012:Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes, Jose Reina; Alvaro Arbeloa, Juanfran, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, Raul Albiol, Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez, Anders Iniesta, Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas, Jesus Navas; Pedro, Fernando Llorente, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo.
Ireland will meet Spain in their second Group C fixture in Gdansk on June 14.
