Euro 2008 / Alsy / 11 March 2008 / Leave a comment

Are you, like millions like you around the country, lost without a team to roar to the final of this summer's Euros? Alister Morgan tell us why we can find solace in Spain...

England's footballers will watch this summer's European Championships from the comfort of their opulent mansions. If only the "golden generation" tag referred to their football skills, and not their inflated bank balances. Alas it was not to be but if the England squad are looking for a team to support then they should select Spain.

Just like England the Spain squad is filled with young talent who represent the biggest clubs in the world and compete for the richest prizes in football. Just like our boys Spain's players are frequently criticised for their inability to produce coherent football at international tournaments. Time was running out for both "Golden Generations" but where McClaren steered the England bus off the edge of a cliff Spain manager, Luis Aragonés, managed to keep Spain on the straight-and-narrow of qualification.

Aragonés is unlikely to figure prominently in any "Kick Racism Out Of Football" campaign but he has managed to transform a rag-tag bunch of superstar footballers into a cohesive and creative team of late. Could this finally be the tournament when Spain step out from the shadows and produce a performance worthy of their talent? It's difficult to say which team will blossom this summer as there are other young, talented squads, (like Germany and Portugal), who have produced better tournament football in recent years in addition to experienced teams likes France and World Champions Italy.

The first thing Spain must do is navigate their way out of a tough Group D containing Sweden, Russia and defending Champions Greece. Aragonés' team are clear favourites to win the Group and you can back them at [1.94] to top their Group.

After beating Liechtenstein 4-0 in their first qualifying match Spain stumbled losing their next two games away to Northern Ireland and Sweden respectively. Their fortunes had altered significantly by the time they beat Sweden 3-0 at the Bernabeu last November to secure qualification. In their last nine competitive matches Spain scored seventeen and conceded three; secure in defense and creative in midfield, Spain break with speed and menace.

Sweden and Russia are both strong sides while Greece will not cede their title easily but on paper they should be no match for Spain. The spine of the team boasts Iker Casillas in goal, Marchena and Puyol at centre-half with Fabregas and Xavi in midfield. Premiership fans may be a little surprised to learn that Spain's main scoring threat is not Fernando Torres but Valencia's David Villa. Add Ramos, Alonso, Iniesta, Joaquin and Silva into the mix and you have a side bursting at the seams with pace and technique.

Spain often play a 4-1-4-1 formation but can switch easily to a 4-4-2. Either way, Villa is the first striker named on the team-sheet and he's repaid Aragonés handsomely with six goals in qualifying so far. He has pace, can beat defenders, play with his back goal and can finish sharply. Best of all Villa has a penchant for the spectacular and regularly scores the type of goals that have you scrambling for the rewind button on your remote.

If Spain are to do well this summer Villa will be involved. It's hard to highlight weaknesses in Spain's play as they are a versatile team who can hurt the opposition in many different ways. In comparison to Aragonés' team Sweden, Russia and Greece may lack flair but not resolve. Paradoxically, the overall strength of Group D may well help Spain as they will have to hit the ground running to qualify.

You can back Spain to win the tournament at [7.0] making them second favourites to Germany at [5.7]. Spain will qualify but I'm concerned that their lack of previous tournament success will count against them when facing Europe's elite at the knockout stages. Backing Portugal at [9.0] or Italy at [8.2] to win represents much better value to my mind.

Who would you tip for Euro success and why?

Tags: Euro 2008 Odds, Football Betting, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain