Spain's Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres could be left on the bench for Spain’s clash against Croatia

Spain manager Vincent Del Bosque refused to rule out omitting Chelsea star Fernando Torres by bringing in Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas to play as a ‘false nine’.

The Blues striker scored twice against the Republic of Ireland but was left out of the starting XI against Italy with the playmaker preferred.

And this could happen again when Spain face Croatia on Monday.

“I was happy because our objective was to win [against Ireland] and we have done that,” Del Bosque said.

“Moreover, we have managed to pass the margin by which Croatia beat Ireland and we did so by playing well. It is also important for the morale that this victory gives the group.

“The other day we had confidence in Cesc and he rewarded us with a goal, but Fernando could also have played for precisely the reason of what he did against Ireland.

“We are delighted to be able to have such great resources.

“We intend to take advantage of all the possibilities. We have 23 players and all of them could play. We have to choose and leave out people for every game and this will create debate if you don’t win.

“I have the same confidence in Cesc that I had four days ago, but we have other options.

“Against Ireland we looked to dominate and have the initiative and for that reason we went for the speed and movement of Torres.”