GOALKEEPERS
IKER CASILLAS (Real Madrid, 20/05/81)
Undoubtedly the number one for both club and country, Casillas has long been considered one of the best goalkeepers in the game. A superb shot-stopper and already vastly experienced despite his age, the Real Madrid ace has arguably not even reached his peak yet.
JOSE REINA (Liverpool, 31/08/82)
Like Casillas, Reina already has an impressive-looking CV despite still being in his mid-20s. Something of an expert at saving penalties, the bald-headed Liverpool custodian is the son of legendary former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Miguel Reina Santos.
ANDRES PALOP (Sevilla, 22/10/73)
At 34, Palop is likely to be the oldest player in the Spain squad at Euro 2008. Started his career at Valencia but made the breakthrough at their local rivals Villarreal before returning to Los Che and then moving to Sevilla in 2005. Winner of numerous club trophies down the years, Palop is still waiting for his first Spain cap.
DEFENDERS
JOAN CAPDEVILA (Villarreal, 03/02/78)
An attack-minded left-back, Capdevila came to prominence as part of the hugely-talented Deportivo La Coruna side of the early 2000s before moving onto Villarreal, where he looks set to enjoy similar success. Capdevila is capable of weighing in with a couple of important goals for his country, such as the opener in the 3-0 win over Sweden that booked Spain's place in Euro 2008 and the only goal in February's friendly against France.
JUANITO GUTIERREZ (Real Betis, 23/07/76)
Despite playing for a less-fashionable side like Real Betis, Juanito has been a regular in the international set-up for the last few years. Strong in the air and solid in the tackle, Juanito is unlikely to be a starter at Euro 2008 but provides solid cover for the first-choice defenders at centre-back.
PABLO IBANEZ (Atletico Madrid, 03/08/81)
One of three Atletico Madrid defenders who could make the trip to Austria and Switzerland along with Lopez and Pernia, Pablo started three of Spain's four matches at the 2006 World Cup. However, he only made four appearances during qualifying for Euro 2008 and may have to settle for a support role this summer.
ANTONIO LOPEZ (Atletico Madrid, 13/09/81)
Up against club-mate Pernia and former Atletico player Capdevila for the left-back berth, although Lopez has filled in at right-back for the Rojiblancos this season and could be a useful utility player.
CARLOS MARCHENA (Valencia, 31/07/79)
Another player whose versatility could be crucial to Spain, with centre-back Marchena having spent plenty of time playing as a holding midfielder for club Valencia. Marchena's height and strength adds some steel to what could otherwise be a rather lightweight Spain midfield, while his ability on the ball means he does not look out of place in the centre of the park.
MARIANO PERNIA (Atletico Madrid, 04/05/77)
Another left-sided defender in the Spain ranks, Argentina-born Pernia is probably best remembered for his remarkable season at Getafe in 2005-06 when he scored 10 league goals from full-back. A dead-ball expert.
CARLES PUYOL (Barcelona, 13/04/78)
An old-school defender who wears his heart on his sleeve and demands nothing less than 100% from himself and his team-mates. Skill-wise, Puyol will never claim to be in the same class as some of his contemporaries, but the Barcelona captain's never-say-die attitude is exactly what you need when things start to get tough.
SERGIO RAMOS (Real Madrid, 30/03/86)
One of the jewels in the crown for both Real Madrid and Spain, Ramos has all the attributes to be a superstar for many years to come. Madrid paid Sevilla £18million for the then-teenager at the start of the 2005-06 season, but they have got full value for money since. A decent centre-back but Ramos' best position is probably right-back where he can put his speed, strength and attacking ability to much greater use.
MIDFIELDERS
DAVID ALBELDA (Valencia, 01/09/77)
Albelda's hopes of making it to Euro 2008 looked to have been crushed when he was told before Christmas by Valencia coach Ronald Koeman that he no longer featured in his plans, but the Dutchman's departure saw a change in fortune for the experienced holding midfielder. Played in 10 of Spain's 12 qualifiers and would have been a certainty for this summer's finals before his Valencia axing put his place in doubt.
XABI ALONSO (Liverpool, 25/11/81)
Alonso could be battling with Albelda and Marcos Senna for the role of midfield lynchpin for Spain. Depending on tactics, Liverpool man Alonso could get the nod based on his impressive range of passing and ability to weigh in with the odd goal.
CESC FABREGAS (Arsenal, 04/05/87)
Like Sergio Ramos and Fernando Torres, Fabregas is another of Spain's young contingent who could take Euro 2008 by storm. Despite his young age Fabregas has a wise head on his shoulders and his experience of playing in the English Premier League with Arsenal has helped him mature into one of the game's leading midfielders.
XAVI (Barcelona, 25/01/80)
What Xavi lacks in size he makes up for in skill, temperament and class. Very rarely loses the ball and offers the perfect link between defence and attack. Having made his debut for Spain in 2000 alongside Barcelona team-mate Puyol, Xavi has already accumulated over 50 appearances for his country.
ANDRES INIESTA (Barcelona, 11/05/84)
Spain's embarrassment of riches in midfield means the hugely talented Barcelona schemer Iniesta may not be guaranteed a starting spot at Euro 2008. European champion at under-16 and under-19 level, as well as a former captain of Spain's Under-21s, the softly-spoken Iniesta has all the attributes needed to become a great in the game.
MARCOS SENNA (Villarreal, 17/07/76)
The Brazil-born holding midfielder has forced his way back into the international set-up following some fine performances for Villarreal this season. Also something of a dead-ball expert, Senna will hope to get the nod over Albelda and Alonso in the heart of the Spanish midfield.
ALBERT RIERA (Espanyol, 15/04/82)
Riera has played in Spain, France and England already in his career but it was not until impressing with Espanyol this season that he earned national recognition, with Luis Aragones giving him his debut against Denmark in late 2007. Bigger than your average winger, Riera's strength, speed and ability to score spectacular goals could make him a useful wildcard for Spain this summer.
DAVID SILVA (Valencia, 08/01/86)
Silva may not have had the greatest of seasons at crisis club Valencia, but his class and ability remains undiminished. Still only 22, the diminutive left-footer has attracted the attentions of some of Europe's biggest clubs over the last few years and his stock could rise further still in Austria and Switzerland.
STRIKERS
DANI GUIZA (Real Mallorca, 17/08/80)
One of the hits of the last few seasons, Guiza's avalanche of goals for Getafe and Real Mallorca could earn him a move to one of La Liga's big guns this summer. Made his Spain debut during the qualifying match against Northern Ireland last November.
RAUL TAMUDO (Espanyol, 19/10/77)
A living legend at home-town club Espanyol, veteran striker Tamudo offers experience, cunning and guile in comparison to the other young guns set to make up the Spain strikeforce this summer. A broken arm suffered during club training in January kept the striker sidelined for a lengthy period, and Espanyol badly missed their captain's influence as they slumped spectacularly down the standings.
FERNANDO TORRES (Liverpool, 20/03/84)
Always considered a player of immense talent and huge potential, it was not until Torres left home-town Atletico Madrid and proved himself at Liverpool last summer that 'El Nino' truly began to live up to his top billing. Will be brimming with confidence after a phenomenal year in England, and he could be the key to Spain's chances at Euro 2008.
DAVID VILLA (Valencia, 03/12/81)
Spain's top scorer during qualifying with seven goals, Villa could be one of the big summer transfers with a number of clubs reportedly keen on the prolific Valencia striker. The 26-year-old will not come cheap though, and a good Euro 2008 is likely to push his transfer fee even higher.
Undoubtedly the number one for both club and country, Casillas has long been considered one of the best goalkeepers in the game. A superb shot-stopper and already vastly experienced despite his age, the Real Madrid ace has arguably not even reached his peak yet.
JOSE REINA (Liverpool, 31/08/82)
Like Casillas, Reina already has an impressive-looking CV despite still being in his mid-20s. Something of an expert at saving penalties, the bald-headed Liverpool custodian is the son of legendary former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Miguel Reina Santos.
ANDRES PALOP (Sevilla, 22/10/73)
At 34, Palop is likely to be the oldest player in the Spain squad at Euro 2008. Started his career at Valencia but made the breakthrough at their local rivals Villarreal before returning to Los Che and then moving to Sevilla in 2005. Winner of numerous club trophies down the years, Palop is still waiting for his first Spain cap.
DEFENDERS
JOAN CAPDEVILA (Villarreal, 03/02/78)
An attack-minded left-back, Capdevila came to prominence as part of the hugely-talented Deportivo La Coruna side of the early 2000s before moving onto Villarreal, where he looks set to enjoy similar success. Capdevila is capable of weighing in with a couple of important goals for his country, such as the opener in the 3-0 win over Sweden that booked Spain's place in Euro 2008 and the only goal in February's friendly against France.
JUANITO GUTIERREZ (Real Betis, 23/07/76)
Despite playing for a less-fashionable side like Real Betis, Juanito has been a regular in the international set-up for the last few years. Strong in the air and solid in the tackle, Juanito is unlikely to be a starter at Euro 2008 but provides solid cover for the first-choice defenders at centre-back.
PABLO IBANEZ (Atletico Madrid, 03/08/81)
One of three Atletico Madrid defenders who could make the trip to Austria and Switzerland along with Lopez and Pernia, Pablo started three of Spain's four matches at the 2006 World Cup. However, he only made four appearances during qualifying for Euro 2008 and may have to settle for a support role this summer.
ANTONIO LOPEZ (Atletico Madrid, 13/09/81)
Up against club-mate Pernia and former Atletico player Capdevila for the left-back berth, although Lopez has filled in at right-back for the Rojiblancos this season and could be a useful utility player.
CARLOS MARCHENA (Valencia, 31/07/79)
Another player whose versatility could be crucial to Spain, with centre-back Marchena having spent plenty of time playing as a holding midfielder for club Valencia. Marchena's height and strength adds some steel to what could otherwise be a rather lightweight Spain midfield, while his ability on the ball means he does not look out of place in the centre of the park.
MARIANO PERNIA (Atletico Madrid, 04/05/77)
Another left-sided defender in the Spain ranks, Argentina-born Pernia is probably best remembered for his remarkable season at Getafe in 2005-06 when he scored 10 league goals from full-back. A dead-ball expert.
CARLES PUYOL (Barcelona, 13/04/78)
An old-school defender who wears his heart on his sleeve and demands nothing less than 100% from himself and his team-mates. Skill-wise, Puyol will never claim to be in the same class as some of his contemporaries, but the Barcelona captain's never-say-die attitude is exactly what you need when things start to get tough.
SERGIO RAMOS (Real Madrid, 30/03/86)
One of the jewels in the crown for both Real Madrid and Spain, Ramos has all the attributes to be a superstar for many years to come. Madrid paid Sevilla £18million for the then-teenager at the start of the 2005-06 season, but they have got full value for money since. A decent centre-back but Ramos' best position is probably right-back where he can put his speed, strength and attacking ability to much greater use.
MIDFIELDERS
DAVID ALBELDA (Valencia, 01/09/77)
Albelda's hopes of making it to Euro 2008 looked to have been crushed when he was told before Christmas by Valencia coach Ronald Koeman that he no longer featured in his plans, but the Dutchman's departure saw a change in fortune for the experienced holding midfielder. Played in 10 of Spain's 12 qualifiers and would have been a certainty for this summer's finals before his Valencia axing put his place in doubt.
XABI ALONSO (Liverpool, 25/11/81)
Alonso could be battling with Albelda and Marcos Senna for the role of midfield lynchpin for Spain. Depending on tactics, Liverpool man Alonso could get the nod based on his impressive range of passing and ability to weigh in with the odd goal.
CESC FABREGAS (Arsenal, 04/05/87)
Like Sergio Ramos and Fernando Torres, Fabregas is another of Spain's young contingent who could take Euro 2008 by storm. Despite his young age Fabregas has a wise head on his shoulders and his experience of playing in the English Premier League with Arsenal has helped him mature into one of the game's leading midfielders.
XAVI (Barcelona, 25/01/80)
What Xavi lacks in size he makes up for in skill, temperament and class. Very rarely loses the ball and offers the perfect link between defence and attack. Having made his debut for Spain in 2000 alongside Barcelona team-mate Puyol, Xavi has already accumulated over 50 appearances for his country.
ANDRES INIESTA (Barcelona, 11/05/84)
Spain's embarrassment of riches in midfield means the hugely talented Barcelona schemer Iniesta may not be guaranteed a starting spot at Euro 2008. European champion at under-16 and under-19 level, as well as a former captain of Spain's Under-21s, the softly-spoken Iniesta has all the attributes needed to become a great in the game.
MARCOS SENNA (Villarreal, 17/07/76)
The Brazil-born holding midfielder has forced his way back into the international set-up following some fine performances for Villarreal this season. Also something of a dead-ball expert, Senna will hope to get the nod over Albelda and Alonso in the heart of the Spanish midfield.
ALBERT RIERA (Espanyol, 15/04/82)
Riera has played in Spain, France and England already in his career but it was not until impressing with Espanyol this season that he earned national recognition, with Luis Aragones giving him his debut against Denmark in late 2007. Bigger than your average winger, Riera's strength, speed and ability to score spectacular goals could make him a useful wildcard for Spain this summer.
DAVID SILVA (Valencia, 08/01/86)
Silva may not have had the greatest of seasons at crisis club Valencia, but his class and ability remains undiminished. Still only 22, the diminutive left-footer has attracted the attentions of some of Europe's biggest clubs over the last few years and his stock could rise further still in Austria and Switzerland.
STRIKERS
DANI GUIZA (Real Mallorca, 17/08/80)
One of the hits of the last few seasons, Guiza's avalanche of goals for Getafe and Real Mallorca could earn him a move to one of La Liga's big guns this summer. Made his Spain debut during the qualifying match against Northern Ireland last November.
RAUL TAMUDO (Espanyol, 19/10/77)
A living legend at home-town club Espanyol, veteran striker Tamudo offers experience, cunning and guile in comparison to the other young guns set to make up the Spain strikeforce this summer. A broken arm suffered during club training in January kept the striker sidelined for a lengthy period, and Espanyol badly missed their captain's influence as they slumped spectacularly down the standings.
FERNANDO TORRES (Liverpool, 20/03/84)
Always considered a player of immense talent and huge potential, it was not until Torres left home-town Atletico Madrid and proved himself at Liverpool last summer that 'El Nino' truly began to live up to his top billing. Will be brimming with confidence after a phenomenal year in England, and he could be the key to Spain's chances at Euro 2008.
DAVID VILLA (Valencia, 03/12/81)
Spain's top scorer during qualifying with seven goals, Villa could be one of the big summer transfers with a number of clubs reportedly keen on the prolific Valencia striker. The 26-year-old will not come cheap though, and a good Euro 2008 is likely to push his transfer fee even higher.
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Spain complete golden summer with victory over France
Spain, Sweden set for high pressure World Cup semi
