EURO 2008 INFO

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is the latest in a long line of players, coaches and pundits to suggest that Fernando Torres will play a starring role at this summer's European Championship...

The former Atletico Madrid star enjoyed an incredible first season in England, breaking the record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy for most league goals scored by a foreigner in their debut season and bringing a whole new dimension of danger to the Reds.

Team-mate and countryman Pepe Reina is backing the free-scoring striker to translate his form to the international stage with Spain in Austria and Switzerland this month.

“Fernando Torres was one of the best players in England and I am convinced that he will be the star of Euro 2008," declared Reina.

“Fernando is very strong mentally and that is key for the squad.”

La Furia Roja kept their win streak in the build-up to Euro 2008 going in the last week, but not in such convincing fashion, with a stoppage time winner needed against Peru and also leaving it late against the USA last night.

Torres himself - who did not score in either game - said that not too much should be taken from the performances as his side are merely warming up. It is only natural, then, to expect their A-game when they face Russia in their group opener this weekend.

"It's a while since we played together and these games help our rhythm and confidence," explained the striker. "We don't want any injuries. Our minds are on Russia."