Del Bosque concerned by Spain attack

Vicente del Bosque admits he was concerned by Spain’s lack of cutting edge in Monday’s 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.

The holders, who are priced at 5.50 to win the tournament, opened their Euro 2016 campaign with a dominant performance against the Czechs but for all their possession, they failed to consistently test Petr Cech and had to rely on an 87th-minute header from Gerard Pique.

La Roja’s lack of scoring threat has been a major talking point in the build-up to the tournament and Del Bosque himself admitted he was slightly worried following their 1-0 defeat to Georgia in their final warm-up fixture.

Alvaro Morata started up front in Toulouse and after struggling for chances, was eventually replaced by the squad’s only other recognised striker Aritz Aduriz.

Next up for Spain is Turkey on Friday in Nice, a game they are the 1.44 favourites to win, with the draw at 4.20 and Fatih Terim’s men on offer at 7.50. They then face Croatia and will be targeting a perfect run so that they can have the most favourable route possible through the knockout stages. Del Bosque says he was happy with his side’s play in possession on Monday but concedes their profligacy in front of goal is a worry.

“We took the initiative, but we weren’t successful [in front of goal] until the final moments [of the game],” he said. “It’s true that we found it difficult to score. It was tough to go ahead, but from an Andres cross, Gerard did wonderfully. “We had a little hiccup with the centre-forwards, but in the end we won. “I do not know if it’ll be enough, but with these three points, we have a cushion [atop Group D]. I’m happy for everyone.”