Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was surprised to learn that Rio Ferdinand had been called up to the England squad.

The Manchester United defender, who has been selected for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro later this month, has not featured for the national side since June 2011 and was not included in Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad last summer.

“I was as surprised as anyone when I heard that [Rio was being called up],” Ferguson said. “I need to speak to our doctor. We prepare Rio in certain ways and he has certain treatments he has to go through.

“The procedures have been the same all season, which has given him fantastic performance levels when he’s playing for us.

“We have to consider that and Rio is considering that. And we’ll see what the outcome of that is.”

Ferguson also said he is concerned that the 34-year-old centre-half, who has made 26 appearances this term, is at risk of burning out as the season reaches its climax.

“[Rio] has to make sure he’s going to be OK in terms of the number of games he plays,” added the boss.

“We’ve been doing that for two years with him. And it’s worked – the way we’ve detailed his training programmes and given him the treatments he needs for the various complaints he has in terms of his back and groin and things like that. So far it’s worked very well. We have to look at all these things before Rio decides.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed his delight at being involved at Euro 2012 with England and admits he did not expect to feature at all in Poland and Ukraine.

The 18-year-old Arsenal midfielder was a surprise call-up to Roy Hodgson’s squad and was handed his first start for the opening group game against France.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, who made three appearances at the European championship, says it was an “unbelievable” experience and admits he learned a lot from training with England’s senior stars.

“It was everything I expected and a bit more – it was an amazing experience all round,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Arsenal Player.

“Obviously it was my first involvement in a senior England squad, and for it to be at a massive tournament like the Euros – well, it doesn’t get much better than that.

“It was brilliant to be in and around the squad and to train with the players I trained with. I learnt a lot from it.

“I didn’t expect to play, but then I didn’t expect to go in the first place.

“It was all a bit of a surprise but I tried to take it in my stride. I was grateful for every minute that I got on the pitch and the whole experience was unbelievable.”

Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta has been named the Euro 2012 player of the tournament by Uefa.

Iniesta inherits the trophy from his team-mate Xavi, who was named the best player at Euro 2008.

Both players were vital to Spain winning back-to-back European championships, a feat no team has ever achieved before.

Although Iniesta did not score during the tournament, he was constant threat and at the heart of Spain’s creativity. In Sunday night’s 4-0 win over Italy in the final, Iniesta set Spain on their way to victory by providing the through ball to Cesc Fàbregas, who crossed for David Silva to open the scoring with a header.

He was named man of the match for the third time in the tournament for his performance in the final, an accolade he also won after Spain’s opening game of the tournament, the 1-1 draw with Italy, and their final group game, a 1-0 win over Croatia.

For the best sports news from Spain without picking up a dictionary, visit www.as.com/english

Cesc Fàbregas believes Spain can dominate international football for years to come after they became the first team to win three successive major tournaments with their Euro 2012 triumph.

The Barcelona midfielder helped send La Roja on their way to victory against Italy in Sunday’s final in Kiev, crossing for David Silva to net the opener after 14 minutes.

Jordi Alba then put Vicente Del Bosque’s men two up before the break – and substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata added gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages.

And Fàbregas, who was part of the Spain side that won the European championship in 2008 and the World Cup in 2010, believes time is on their side.

“Considering we are 23, 24, 25, 26, most of us, except two or three, it says we can keep going,” Fàbregas told Sky Sports News.

“But it depends on us. We have to really behave properly, we have to want more and be hungry for success.

“Definitely this team has been showing that for the past four years and we have to keep going.

“Every year it will become more difficult because teams will want to beat us more, but we just want to enjoy tonight and then we will think about the Confederations Cup next season.”

The former Arsenal captain felt he and his team-mates had come under immense pressure from the media but was thrilled to “prove everybody wrong”.

“From our point of view it has been difficult because we have had a lot of pressure from the press, but once again this team proved everybody wrong and even we are impressed with what we have achieved,” he continued.

“We are very proud of the way we play. If we have won things for the last four years it is because of the way we play, because we believed in that style.

“We did not have to change anything. We did not have to prove people wrong because they thought it was boring, and it is not about what we won but how we did it.

“I think we have impressed the world with our technical ability and tactically, because it is not just about going forward scoring goals.

“Defensively we have been very compact and strong, only conceding one goal and scoring 12. I don’t think that is a boring team.”

Goals from David Silva and Jordi Alba put La Roja two to the good before the break, before substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata added gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages as Del Bosque’s men produced a magical display in Kiev.

“It’s true we were lucky enough to play a great match,” said Del Bosque. “Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent.

“We played our own game. There were no real external influences: we were faithful to what we’ve done in recent years.”

“To win three titles is almost impossible. Congratulations to the players. I didn’t really want to be the coach who wins but the coach who educates. I want to keep preparing them for the future.”

Del Bosque also reserved praise for Cesare Prandell’s Italy, who were reduced to 10 men when Thiago Motta was forced off with a hamstring injury early in the second half, with the Azzurri having already used all three of their substitutions.

“The Italians have played a great tournament,” he added. “They had the bad luck of the injury to Thiago Motta and that’s where it all ended for them, unfortunately.”

Cesc Fàbregas, who set up David Silva’s opener, admitted the significance of the victory is yet to sink in.

“It feels really, really amazing. It’s one of the best days of my life,” said Fàbregas. “I don’t think we realise what we’ve done. But in time we’ll see what we’ve done.

“Are we boring? People who think we are boring, I don’t think they understand the game.”

Meanwhile, Italy boss Prandelli was pleased with his side’s overall performance in Poland and Ukraine and expressed his pride at their impressive run to the final.

“We deserve an eight out of ten overall,” said Prandelli when asked to rank the team’s displays.

“We started the tournament with a few problems, we had Spain in our group, I think we have played some terrific games but above all I think we struggled to get back to fitness [for the final] unfortunately.

“The lads showed that if you have team spirit you can chase your dream. They worked hard for each other, showed you can lose with dignity and they have been able to react to difficulties. I am very proud of my team.”

Goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata completed an impressive win, and La Roja‘s latest success was roundly hailed by their fellow professionals on Twitter.

Here are some of our favourites Tweets, in chronological order.

1min: Former Norwich City star Iwan Roberts (‏@iwanwroberts) kicks us off: “Two keepers as captains – you don’t see that often!”

1min: Everton captain Phil Neville (‏@fizzer18) has his say on the anthem debate which has raged throughout the tournament: “My opinion – singing the anthem is a personal choice it shouldn’t be forced on a player if part of his prep is to not sing!”

5mins: England rugby legend Will Carling ‏(@willcarling) reckons Spain are in good form for the final: “Spain look so much sharper than the other night. So many great players! This should be awesome! #euro2012”

10mins: If comedian Jack Whitehall ‏(@jackwhitehall) can find the button, households across Britain would use it: “Could someone please switch Mark Lawrenson off sarcasm mode.”

15mins: Former Blackburn Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher (‏@kevingallacher8) is impressed by Cesc Fàbregas’ pace for Spain’s first goal: “Is Fàbregas lightning quick or Chiellini a cart horse? #spain dominating #italy 1-0 up thanks to Silva.”

15mins: Former Bradford City midfielder Chris Kamara (‏@chris_kammy) gets a chance to use his trademark saying: “What a goal that was magnificent, David Silva with a header, this is proper football ‘unbelievable’!”

25mins: Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone ‏(@TomHuddlestone6) makes light of those who called Spain boring: “I wish every team were this **boring** to watch. #keepball”

41mins: Former Aston Villa striker Ian Taylor (‏@IanTaylor7) is impressed by Barcelona’s new signing: “Another great pass!!! What a run. Great goal #jordialba. #Euro2012Final”

41mins: Ex-Sunderland midfielder Michael Gray ‏(@mickygray33) is similarly impressed: “Now that a proper left-back… What a goal and what a pass… Football is a simple game played by idiots… Or so they say!!!”

41mins: Norwich City legend Darren Huckerby (@hucks6dh6) gives us the lowdown on Jordi Alba: “I think Alba came through the Barça youth academy – their youth team must’ve been ridiculous #Class #Euro12”

Half-time: Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley (‏@tomclevz23) is entertained: “Spain boring are you mad!”

Half-time: And Tottenham Jermaine Jenas ‏(@jjenas8) is angered by the criticism of Spain prior to the final: “Spain boring!!! The commentators/pundits/journalists that have said this please resign immediately.”

Half-time: West Brom star Steven Reid (‏@stevenreid12) is amazed by two Spain midfielders in particular: “Iniesta and Xavi passes you could not pick up with your hands and place better. Wow!”

50mins: Steve Claridge ‏(@ClaridgeSteve) fears for the future of all strikers: “Good job I’m finished because the position I used to play won’t bloody exist soon if Spain carry on like this!”

60mins: Norwich City’s Anthony Pilkington ‏(@Pilkington_11) is already reflecting on an enjoyable tournament: “Who has been your player of the tournament?? Pirlo? Balotelli? Iniesta? Alonso? Few candidates… Other good shouts – Fàbregas and Alba! For me it is between Pirlo and Iniesta two great players!”

65mins: But former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris ‏(@morriskid) can see Pirlo is struggling in the final: “Is Pirlo playing???”

70mins: BBC presenter Dan Walker ‏(@danwalkerbbc) finally gets to grip with this “boring” tag: “’Boring’ is the new ‘brilliant’! #Spain”

84mins: Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich ‏(@TheRealBozza) heaps praise on Spain after Fernando Torres scores: “3-0 Spain. Fantastic achievement from a team which will go down in history as one of the great sides. #euro2012”

84mins: Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam ‏(@Charlie26Adam) is amazed by Spain’s feat: “Three in a row is incredible.”

84mins: Southampton’s Billy Sharp ‏(@billysharp10) has his say on Torres: “Fernando Torres absolutely love him – goal machine. #TORRES”

87mins: Tottenham defender Danny Rose ‏(@Danny25Rose) believes Juan Mata’s first appearance at Euro 2012 – which results in a goal – highlight’s Spain’s strength in depth: “Mata hasn’t kicked a ball until now – says it all. Spain are too much …”

87mins: Aston Villa legend Dion Dublin (‏@DionDublinsDube) is impressed by the margin of victory: “Oh my god – four goals in a final !! WOW….. What a team!!”

Full-time: Ex-Liverpool striker Neil Mellor (‏@NeilMellor33) hails Spain’s display: “Congratulations to Spain. Thoroughly deserved to win Euro 2012. They worked so hard for each other and passed teams off the pitch every game.”

Full-time: Even NBA champion LeBron James ‏(@KingJames) gets in on the Spain love-fest: “Spain is just too much for Italy! Ouch!”

Full-time: Former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright ‏(@Mark__Bright) believes Spain are the best in his lifetime: “Well done Spain, best international I’ve ever seen, awesome display in the final if not in the group and knockout stage…. Viva Espana!”

Full-time: Newcastle United’s Peter Lovenkrands ‏(@lovenkrands11) has the final say until the 2014 World Cup: “Congrats to Spain – what a team! Can’t wait to see what they can do at the world cup in Brazil 2014!”

Italy made a bright start and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession – but their spell of dominance lasted around three minutes. Unsurprisingly, Spain gained control of the final and their five-man midfield, aided by “false striker” Cesc Fábregas, soon had Italy’s defence in disarray. The holders have had their style of football labelled “boring” over the course of the tournament but their sharp passing and cunning movement helped manufacture a series of early chances. Sergio Ramos threatened from successive set-pieces before Fábregas’ deft pass found his Barcelona team-mate Xavi, who narrowly fired over. It was a warning shot for Gianluigi Buffon and his ragged Azzurri defence. In the 11th minute, Italy’s rearguard finally folded amid pure brilliance from Spain – Andrés Iniesta’s pass released Fábregas, who showed an electric burst of pace to muscle past Giorgio Chiellini, before the former Arsenal captain’s cross was guided past Gianluigi Buffon and into the net by David Silva. It was Spain at their creative best, and anything but boring football from the defending champions. With Italy managing to find a foothold in the match, a swift Spanish counter-attack saw Jordi Alba exchange passes with Iniesta, and Barcelona’s newly-acquired left-back tucked his finish past Buffon to make it 2-0. Prandelli’s decision to make early changes in the second half backfired as Thiago Motta suffered a demobilising hamstring injury, and with Italy reduced to 10 men, substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata scored late goals to add further gloss to their win.

Pirlo neutralised by Spain’s midfield

Andrea Pirlo, a veteran of Italy’s triumph in the World Cup final against France in 2006, was named man of the match for three of the five games en route to the Kiev showpiece. The 33-year-old’s move from AC Milan to Juventus has thwarted the midfielder’s decline and he took his club form into the European championship – his free-kick helped the Azzurri to a 1-1 draw with Croatia. Pirlo starred in Italy’s victory over England, making 117 successful passes and emulating Antonin Panenka’s chipped spot-kick at Euro ’76, switching the momentum of the penalty shootout. But while Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker afforded Pirlo too much time to orchestrate Italy’s rhythm, Spain swarmed the midfielder which prompted Italy’s fulcrum to come to shuddering halt. When Pirlo gathered possession, he was confronted by a cluster of opponents, and the ageing midfielder’s impact was neutralised – he managed to complete a mere 48 passes in contrast to Xavi’s 80 and Xabi Alonso’s 78, while Leonardo Bonucci eclipsed Pirlo’s total, making 55.

Are Spain the greatest team of all time?

Spain’s triumph earned them a further slice of history as they became the first country to defend their crown and the first to win three successive major tournaments, while also claiming the biggest winning margin in a European championship final. As if Vicente Del Bosque’s side were not already considered greats, their latest title edged them closer to claiming the ultimate crown of being crowned the greatest international team of all time. The French side that won the World Cup in 1998, followed by Euro 2000, and included the mercurial Zinedine Zidane, Marcel Desailly, Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps will certainly argue to the contrary – Les Bleus beat Brazil and Italy in their respective finals. There exquisite attacking style started to blossom in 1998 before truly bursting into full bloom at the European championship held in Belgium and the Netherlands. Looking further back, Brazil’s World Cup winning-side of 1970 won every game en route to their final triumph, playing an exciting brand of attacking football, with Pele headlining this irresistible Brazilian side. “Our team was the best. Those who saw it, saw it. Those who didn’t will never see it again,” said midfielder Gerson. But perhaps Spain have emulated that side. Barcelona’s duo Xavi and Iniesta have exlempery vision and distribution, and their tika-taka brand has conquered the world’s best on three occasions. Spain are arguably already the best football has seen for their sustained success – and based on the average age of their starting line-up on Sunday – 28 – there is still room for this current crop of players to extend their spell of dominance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil – and perhaps further.

Spain banish Italian demons – unlike Germany

Much was made of Germany’s poor record against Italy – the Azzurri had never lost to Germany (or West Germany) in a competitive fixture and had twice beaten them in semi-finals. That run was continued thanks to Mario Balotelli’s fantastic brace last week. Spain’s record against the four-time world champions was equally as unimpressive – Italy inflicted the joint heaviest defeat in Spain’s history during the 1928 Olympics, beating them 7-1 in an Amsterdam replay following a 1-1 quarter-final draw. In the 11 competitive fixtures between the two sides, Spain managed a sole outright victory at the 1920 Olympic Games, with their quarter-final victory on penalties at Euro 2008 classified as a draw by Uefa. But Del Bosque’s men emphatically exorcised any Italian demons with an emphatic display on Sunday. The difference between Germany and Spain, and their approach to taking on Italy, was experience. Iker Casillas, Iniesta, Xavi, Torres, Fàbregas, Alonso, Sergio Ramos and Silva all featured in the 2008 showpiece – before the game, no player has appeared in two European championship finals. It showed in their final group stage game against Croatia and in their penalty shootout victory over Portugal. In the final, Spain unleashed their best performance at the tournament as their big players produced an uncompromising display.

Bryan Robson believes Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney has unfairly been made the scapegoat after England’s Euro 2012 failure.

The 55-year-old represented the Three Lions at four major tournaments during a 11-year international career but was unable to help the national side end their wait for another title following the World Cup win in 1966.

Robson believes that there is always a “scapegoat” when England fail to produce their best form on the European and world stage – and on this occasion it was Rooney.

The 26-year-old striker was criticised for his displays against Ukraine and Italy after returning from the suspension which ruled him out of England’s opening two Group D games.

But Robson has defended Rooney’s contribution, instead pointing the finger at Roy Hodgson’s midfield for their inability to get the best out of the Red Devils forward.

“The media always find scapegoats,” Robson told United’s website.

“It’s easy just writing to criticise all the time. I noticed the media have picked up on Wayne and he’s the one this time but it’s a group thing.

“For a forward like Wayne to get into a game, he needs good play from midfield. I just don’t see where we keep the ball well enough to be able to bring Wayne to his best.

“Manchester United do that but I don’t expect the media to pick up on that because they just want to have a go at someone like Wayne or whoever else it is. They just want to have a go all the time.”

Gianluigi Buffon believes Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli deserves “the most” credit ahead of Italy’s meeting with Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2012 final.

The 21-year-old has endured difficulties at both club and international level in recent months.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli dropped Balotelli in March 2011 over disciplinary issues, while the striker’s sending off at Arsenal earlier this year prompted Roberto Mancini to declare that his compatriot would not play for City again.

However, Balotelli went on to set up the winning goal in their 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers which sealed the Premier League title for City – and he has already scored three times at the European championship.

“Mario has done very well thus far,” said Buffon. “He has great natural talent and that is a fantastic starting point for him.

“But he’s also come into a squad where there are a lot of star players, not only on the footballing side but in general.

“In addition, he has been able to work with a coach who, in a number of ways, has managed to get the best out him.

“Mario deserves the most credit because he’s really worked hard and wanted to succeed.”

Meanwhile, the veteran Juventus goalkeeper claimed Italy’s love for the national team is unrivalled, and Prandelli’s 23-man party are desperate to repeat their World Cup triumph in 2006 by beating Spain in Kiev.

“There is something unique in the Italian mentality,” he said.

“Beyond everything that has been said, and the rumours, Italians have a lot of respect and love for the national squad which goes above and beyond anything else.

“We have the opportunity to show just how great our country is. It’s not always easy but we always try and find a way of getting a solid squad.

“There’s a lot of solidarity and we’re thinking along the same lines. That’s our strength.”

Spain v Italy: Pre-match facts

• Spain’s record in 30 games against Italy is W8 D12 L10, but seven of those victories have come in friendly games.

• Spain embarked on a run of 10 straight European championship victories after their last meeting with Italy in the 2008 quarter-finals. They have gone 28 games without defeat in this competition since losing 2-0 in Sweden in a Euro 2008 qualifier in October 2006.

• Spain’s last defeat at the Euros was a 1-0 loss to hosts Portugal in the 2004 group stage that ended their interest in the competition.

• Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is unbeaten in competitive internationals, recording 10 wins and five draws to date, with the shootout triumph over England classed as a draw.

Steven Gerrard has defended Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United striker was criticised for his performances at the European championship.

The 26-year-old striker scored in a 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the final group stage match but struggled in the quarter-final against Italy after missing England’s opening two games through suspension.

Rooney netted 27 goals in 32 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils last season, and the striker has been instrumental in the success at Old Trafford since joining in 2004.

But Gerrard believes there was an unrealistic expectation placed on the former Everton forward in Poland and Ukraine.

“I just think that ever since Wayne has been around, and because of his performances in Euro 2004, there is an expectation that he comes to these tournaments and wins them all on his own,” Gerrard told the Sun on Sunday.

“I just think that’s unfair – especially when it goes wrong and people then point to Wayne and his performances and blame him. But the responsibility has to be on all 23 players.

“It’s unfair to look at Wayne and say because he didn’t play well it’s the reason why we haven’t won.

“I’ve mentioned on many occasions that at this level the biggest thing is to play without expectation, without fear.

“So it’s only normal that at times Wayne is brought down because of that expectation, because everyone expects and wants him to do well.”

Rooney has scored 29 goals in 76 appearances for England since making his debut against Australia in 2003.