De Marcos gets Spain call as injuries bite

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has called Athletic Club Bilbao full back Oscar de Marcos and Real Madrid central defender Nacho Fernandez into his squad for the forthcoming friendly matches against England and Belgium.

The duo were called up by Del Bosque to cover for the absences of Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who will miss the games as the result of damaging his shoulder during Real Madrid's 3-2 defeat to Sevilla on Sunday night and Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran Torres, who will be out of action after pulling a muscle while playing at the weekend.

Nacho returns to the squad after appearing against Lithuania in October, while De Marcos is set to make his debut.

The 26-year-old, who is in his seventh season with Athletic Club, was originally signed as a striker, but his versatility has seen him operate in all areas of the pitch for the Basque outfit, although he is now first choice right back.

England will travel to Spain without several key players for the match with Theo Walcatt, Daniel Sturridge, Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlin and James Milner all out through injury for what promises to be an interesting game and a barometer of both side's possibilities in next summer's European Championships. Endi