Euro2012: Champions Spain name final squad

Defending champions Spain have named their final 23 players squad for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. Spain plays Italy, Ireland and Croatia in Group C of the tournament that runs from June 8 to July 1.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has only had one big surprise in his selection as FC Valencia striker Roberto Soldado missed out as did Adrian Lopez from Atletico Madrid, while Chelsea's Fernando Torres and Barcelona's Pedro made the squad.

Earlier Barca duo Carlos Puyol and David Villa had to opt out due to injuries, while Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was dropped with three stronger keepers ahead of him as per del Bosque's assessment.

Spain are going into the tournament as the 2008 European Championships and 2010 FIFA World Cup winners, so a lot will be expected from the Spaniards who will try and win their third major title in a row.


SPAIN

Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (FC Liverpool), Victor Valdes (FC Barcelona)

Defenders
Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (FC Valencia), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (FC Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)

Midfielders
Xavi Hernandez (FC Barcelona), Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (FC Malaga), Cesc Fabregas (FC Barcelona), Juan Mata (FC Chelsea)

Forwards
Jesus Navas (FC Sevilla), Pedro (FC Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (FC Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (FC Sevilla)