Fernando Torres believes he can still crack Spain's World Cup squad

Spain striker Fernando Torres says he can make the World Cup squad and help his country defend its title in Brazil.

Torres tells Spanish daily AS "in football you never know where you will be inside one month. I'm going to work hard, that's all you can do with this last part of the season so important. Those in the best form before the World Cup will go."

The Chelsea striker was dropped from Spain's team for a recent friendly against Italy with Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa taking his place. Alvaro Negredo is also ahead of him in the pecking order.

Torres, who turned 30 on Thursday, helped Spain win back-to-back European Championships and the last World Cup.