Cesc Fabregas has been selected ahead of Fernando Torres for Spain's quarter-final against France at Euro 2012 tonight.

The return of the Barcelona midfielder means that Vicente del Bosque has opted for the much-criticised 'false number nine' formation for the defending champions.

Meanwhile, Samir Nasri is the surprise absentee for Les Bleus, with Mathieu Debuch coming into the midfield and Anthony Reveillere being brought into defence.

Laurent Koscielny is also given a starting birth as Philippe Mexes serves a one-match ban, while Florent Malouda and Yohan Cabbaye replace Alou Diarra and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Alonso; Xavi, Iniesta, Silva, Fabregas
Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Pedro, Torres, Negredo, Mata, Llorente, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Reina

France: Lloris; Reveillere, Rami, Koscielny, Clichy; Debuchy, M'Vila, Cabaye, Malouda, Ribery; Benzema
Subs: Mandanda, Evra, Valbuena, Giroud, Nasri, Matuidi, Menez, Diarra, Martin, Ben Arfa, Carrasso