Spain prepare for Euro defence with China game

Madrid : The Spanish national team has its final rehearsal for the European Championships when they play China in Sevilla Sunday night.

The game will be the only chance that Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has to prepare for the defence of Spain`s European title with players from Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona available. Spain enjoyed comfortable wins against Croatia and South Korea without key players such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Fernando Llorente, reports said. It will be interesting to see if Del Bosque starts with big striker Fernando Llorente against China or if he gives another chance to Fernando Torres who silenced critics with the opening goal against South Korea in the 4-1 win in midweek. Should Torres start, it will mean that he probably will get the nod ahead of Llorente in the European Championships, but Del Bosque may feel that Llorente`s form throughout the season means he deserves his chance. It looks increasingly likely that Sergio Ramos will move across from right back to partner Gerard Pique or Javi Martinez. That would see either Juanfran Torres, who looked impressive in the last two matches, or Alvaro Arbeloa compete for the right back slot. Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets can all expect minutes in midfield, although Cesc Fabregas will miss out as he recovers from a slight muscle injury. Meanwhile, David Silva and either Santi Cazorla or Pedro Rodriguez will add support and creativity in the upper part of the field. IANS