Spain coach's Euros warning to Torres
Published 17:19 22/02/12 By Darren Lewis
Fernando Torres remains on trial for his Euro 2012 place, according to Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque.
The Chelsea striker's lack of form is so acute that he was an unused substitute in the first leg of the club's must-win Champions League knockout tie in Napoli.
Torres scored the winning goal at the last Euros in 2008, but has netted just five goals since joining Chelsea from Liverpool a year ago for £50million.
Del Bosque has commended the marksman's work-rate, but also warned he wants to see more goals from the 27-year-old over the next few months.
"Strikers are always associated with goals, and if the striker doesn't score goals then it's as if they're not doing anything," said the Spain boss.
"He's fighting and he's working harder than ever. He's just been missing that bit of luck that all strikers need to have."
Torres has made 88 appearances for Spain, and his goal to win Euro 2008 helped the country to its first major trophy in 44 years.
But there remains uncertainty over whether he will get a look-in this time around, particularly as Barcelona's David Villa - who broke his leg in December - remains confident of recovering in time to feature in Poland and Ukraine this summer.
Other rivals for a squad place include Barcelona forward Pedro, Sevilla duo Alvaro Negredo and Manu del Moral and Athletic Bilbao frontman Fernando Llorente.
Del Bosque has spelled out that Torres has four months to add goals to his industry if he wants to be in his plans.
Speaking to lbc97.3, he said: "In recent matches, he's been putting in a lot of effort, running lots and well.
"He hasn't been on target when it comes to the goals, but we are going to calmly wait as there are three, almost four months ahead.
"Where the competition is concerned in terms of Fernando's spot on the team, we'll be working as we always have done - on trying to get the best."
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