England manager Fabio Capello believes Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres are the best players he has seen since moving to the country to replace Steve McClaren.

That neither player, nor Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas - also named by Capello as a potential player of the year - is available to him, will further fuel the debate about the quality of English players in the top flight.

Asked who this year's standout performer in the Barclays Premier League was Capello, speaking to England team sponsors Nationwide Building Society, said: "It would be a tough decision between Ronaldo and Torres and to these two players I would add another player who has had a fantastic season even though he is tired now and that is Fabregas."

Unlike their English club-mates all three will be going to the European Championships in the summer and Capello believes Torres and Fabregas could help fire Spain to glory in the competition.

Luis Aragones' team are one of four top sides Capello has tipped as possible victors.

"The team that has got the better players on paper is Spain," he said.

"But I would narrow it down to four teams. France - a very good team, very solid players. Germany, who are never among the favourites but are always there when it matters and Italy. I think they are close as well."

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