[WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN] Spain, tipped along with Brazil as an early favorite to win the 2010 World Cup, is headed to France for important test of its readiness. Spain, who have not won in France in almost 42 years, should be at close to full strength for Wednesday's game at the Stade de France. Even Fernando Torres has joined the team and is ready to go.

The Liverpool star recently returned to action after a layoff with a knee injury.

"For us it is an honor to be here, to play as much as possible and to return as fit as possible to our teams," said the 25-year-old strike r. "Luckily, I recovered in time. To be in the national squad is a prize for me. I have the good fortune that the coach called me up after playing just two games since I recovered."

Wednesday's match will be a chance for Spaniards to avenge their loss to France in the second round of the 2006 World Cup.

"We were a bit unlucky to lose to them in 2006," said Barcelona defender Carles Puyol. "They are always a good team, and they will make things difficult for us."

Spain is loaded in midfield, where Xavi is fit again and Brazilian-born Marcos Senna returns after missing Spain's last three games.

SPAIN ROSTER:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Diego Lopez (Villarreal)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Valencia)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Jesus Navas (Sevilla)
Forwards: Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), David Villa (Valencia), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)