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Fernando Torres backed to be dumped by Spain

Fernando Torres of Spain tries to go round Gianluigi Buffon of Italy during the UEFA EURO 2012 group C match between Spain and Italy at The Municipal Stadium on June 10, 2012 in Gdansk, Poland (credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has been backed to NOT feature for Spain again at Euro 2012 following his poor showing on Sunday night.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque left Torres on the bench and started Sunday's 1-1 draw with Italy without a striker - a decision he later defended - instead opting for an attacking line featuring midfielders Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and David Silva.

Torres came off the bench for the final 15 minutes but fluffed two glorious chances to win the game for the defending champions.

Despite being criticised for his tactics, Del Bosque has hinted that he could leave Torres out of the side again when Spain meet Ireland on Thursday.

"It’s possible we’ll play the same way," he told Cadena Ser.

"I don’t rule out putting someone up front but [playing without a striker] is an option we have.

"I believe they are good players to do it, Silva, Fabregas and Iniesta, and I believe they are forwards."

He added: "We made the most of the space [when Torres came on] but unfortunately we were unable to take our chances."

Bookmakers William Hill believe Torres will fail to score a single goal in the tournament and make him odds-on to not start the Ireland match.

Hill's spokesman Joe Crilly told Crunchsports.com: "Four years ago, as Spain won this trophy, Torres could do no wrong, now, however, it seems as though the golden boy has well and truly fallen from grace and it may not be just goals that he is struggling for but minutes as well."

Should Spain start with Torres against Ireland? Have your say below!

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Fernando Torres backed to be dumped by Spain

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has been backed to NOT feature for Spain again at Euro 2012 following his poor showing on Sunday night.

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