Spain announces Euro squad

The Spain has announced its’ final 23-man squad for Euro 2012. The team was selected on expected lines with a few surprises.

The team was chosen after considering the performances of players in friendly against Serbia. Athletico’s Juanfran and Madrid’s Raul Albiol, who gave a good account of themselves in yesterday’s friendly, were selected to fill the spots vacated by injuries. David villa, Carlos Puyol  & Andoni Iraola had earlier been ruled out of the tournament because of injuries.

Coach Del bosque named Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo ahead of Valencia’s captain Roberto Soldado to bolster the attack. Pedro, who impressed with a brace in the Copa del Rey final, retained his place in the final squad. Spain will hope Athletic’s Llorente and Chlesea’s Torres to be in top form in the tournament to make up for Villa’s loss.

Spain is placed in Group C alongside Italy, Croatia and Republic of Ireland.

Spain plays friendlies against South Korea and China before beginning its Euro campaign against Italy. Spain are keen to become first team in history to win three consecutive major trophies.

Final 23:

GK (3):

Iker Casillas, Víctor Valdés, Pepe Reina

Defenders (6):

Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, Álvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Juanfran

Midfielders (10):

Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fàbregas, Juan Mata, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Javi Martínez, David Silva, Jesús Navas, Santi Cazorla

Forwards (4):

Fernando Llorente, Pedro Rodríguez, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo