Vicente del Bosque defends initial Euro 2012 lineup

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has defended his decision to not start with a recognised striker up front in his initial lineup at Euro 2012.

Del Bosque, whose side drew 1-1 with the Italians in their Group C opener, changed his starting lineup to include Fernando Torres in their 4-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last night.

"I know football well," he told Tele5. "I am not a novice. I know that I have to be prepared for criticism.

"The team feel just as comfortable with or without a No. 9. There is no preference for Torres, [Alvaro] Negredo, [Fernando] Llorente or [Cesc] Fabregas."

The Spaniards take on Croatia in Gdansk next week.