Soccer: Andres Iniesta, who helped Spain to a second successive European Championship triumph in Poland and Ukraine, was named the best player at the tournament by Uefa today.

Iniesta played a central role for Spain in Sunday's 4-0 win over Italy as they became the first country to retain the title.Andy Roxburgh, the head of Uefa's technical group, told reporters: "Andrea Pirlo was magnificent for Italy, Xavi won it last time and could have won it again. Xabi Alonso was magnificent but Iniesta sends a message about creative and incisive football and was superb throughout."

Spain have 10 players nominated in the squad, while apart from England and Liverpool skipper Gerrard the only other Premier League players are Manchester City’s David Silva and Mario Balotelli.

Fernando Torres, who actually claimed the Golden Boot after scoring three goals in the tournament was also omitted, as was Spain right-back Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Uefa squad of Euro 2012

Goalkeepers:Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Defenders:Gerard Pique (Spain), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Pepe (Portugal), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Jordi Alba (Spain)

Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Italy), Steven Gerrard (England), Xavi (Spain), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Sami Khedira (Germany), Sergio Busquets (Spain), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Xabi Alonso (Spain)

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Italy), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Zlatan Ibrahimovoic (Sweden), David Silva (Spain)