Villa shows faith in Spain depth

Barcelona striker David Villa has played down his absence from the Spain national team at Euro 2012.

The 30-year-old striker ruled himself out of selection for the finals in Poland and Ukraine as he is still nursing a fractured tibia sustained at the Club World Cup in December.

His unavailability has been described by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque as a heavy blow, but Villa thinks that Spain have other quality attacking options available.

“One is always happy that people regret their absence, but Spain will not miss me,” he told reporters.

“There are great goal-poachers on the team and any player can score. I have a great affection for Fernando Torres and I think he is in great form after what he undeservedly went through.”

Villa, who visited Spain’s training base on Thursday, explained how he told Del Bosque that he would not be able to make the squad for Euro 2012.

“I worked until the end and they waited until the last moment to see how my recovery was going,” he said.

“But when there were a few days left for the announcement of the squad, I told him [Del Bosque] that I was not at a level good enough to compete, that I was not in the shape for the national team, and that I would not be at my best.

“I was true to myself, Barcelona and Spain.”

Questioned about Spain’s chances in Poland and Ukraine, Villa said: “We have won the right to be called favourites after four years filled with success.

“But when the tournament starts, every team will have the same chances.”

Spain begin the defence of their European crown against Italy in Group C on June 10.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/villa-shows-faith-in-spain-depth/95619/

Gerrard admits Rooney ban a blow

England captain Steven Gerrard has admitted that Wayne Rooney’s absence from the first two Euro 2012 group games will be a blow.

The Manchester United striker was handed a three-match ban by UEFA, later reduced to two, after he kicked Miodrag Dzudovic in the 2-2 draw against Montenegro in October.

But the 32-year-old midfielder said the Three Lions are more than capable of putting in good performances until Rooney’s return.

Gerrard told RMC: “Wayne (Rooney) is a world class player. Any team would suffer after the loss of such a player.

“So yes, we will miss him. But we hope it will go well without him and we can do the job. In any case, we expect to reach the quarterfinals.”

The Liverpool man also praised the quality of the France squad ahead of the two sides’ meeting in their opening group game on June 11.

“Playing against France for the first game is a difficult start because this team is fantastic. But this type of game is exciting,” he said.

“They are fantastic players. For example, we know (Samir) Nasri and (Karim) Benzema very well. When we see such players selected for France, we understand that the quality of the French team is high.

“I consider France to be one of the favourites for the Euros. We are all looking forward to playing this game.”

However, Gerrard refused to look past the match against Les Bleus, insisting that his side will take it step by step.

“We take the games one after another,” he said.

“Sincerely, we hope to first achieve a good result against France. What we do will automatically give a lot of confidence for the rest.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/gerrard-admits-rooney-ban-a-blow/95521/