Del Bosque plays down Pedro row

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque insists he will not punish winger Pedro despite his recent comments about a lack of first-team football.

The Chelsea star has had to play a bit-part role so far at Euro 2016 and he complained on Monday about his lack of action.

He told Movistar: “I had different expectations when I first came here. It is difficult for me to play this role [as a substitute]. “If there is no continuity it is not worth me turning up just to be part of the group.”

He has played less than 10 minutes so far, with Nolito, David Silva and Alvaro Morata all being favoured in attack.

Pedro’s only appearance came against Czech Republic in the 1-0 win during Spain’s first match of Group D when he stepped off the bench in the latter stages of the second half.

However, Del Bosque insists his comments have not upset the mood in the camp as they try to get a result against Croatia on Tuesday night. “What he has said, he did not disrespect anyone. I think his conscience got the better of him a little bit and he just showed a reality of what the 12 players who are not playing all feel,” the boss said.

“Pedro was a bit angry he is not playing, that is inevitable and can happen. We try to get on well with everyone and for everybody to be happy and comfortable.”

A win or draw for Spain will see them top the group and they can be backed at odds of 4.00 to go all the way and win the European Championship.