Fernando Torres And Juan Mata In Spanish Euros Squad

After being dropped from the Spanish squad during the season, it has been confirmed that Fernando Torres' late run of form at the tail end of the season has merited an inclusion in the final twenty-three that Spain will take to this summer's European Championships. Juan Mata has also been included in the party travelling to Poland Ukraine, as one of eight changes to the squad that won the 2008 edition of the competition.

Being involved in that winning team has probably earned Torres his spot - after all, Roberto Soldado had a more consistent season at Valencia, finishing as the leading Spanish scorer in La Liga this season, despite only scoring one goal in his last ten appearances. However, Del Bosque is a big fan of familiarity, and Torres is certainly a recognisable face for the national side, having made 91 appearances since his debut in 2003. This kind of familiarity will be especially crucial given the absence of Barcelona's David Villa due to the broken leg he suffered back in December at the Club World Cup.

Given Torres will almost certainly be Chelsea's main striker next season, it's important that he continues his good form for the national side as to carry that momentum into next season. What's more concerning is the role Juan Mata may play - having already played 2527 minutes for Chelsea this season, more commitments at both the Euros and possibly the Olympics will tire our already fatigued playmaker even more.