MADRID (AP)—Once Spain’s star striker, Fernando Torres’ scoring slump may threaten his chance to help defend his country’s European title next summer.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque sat the Chelsea striker in the stands for the first time for Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifier, favoring the in-form Alvaro Negredo and David Villa to spearhead the attack, with Fernando Llorente starting on the bench.

Del Bosque made it clear after Spain’s 6-0 rout of Liechtenstein that Torres’ past fame won’t be enough to regain his leading role with the world champions.

The former Real Madrid coach said “(Torres) is an important player, but those who stand out with their clubs will get the call to the national team, not the other way around.”

Torres hasn’t scored for Spain in a year.