Euro 2012 alternative team guide: Spain

OTP gives you the lowdown on all the Euro 2012 teams.

10 word description: Defending champions, World Cup winners and red / rojo hot favourites.

Coach: Vicente Del Bosque
Win the World Cup and you’re probably in a fairly strong position as an international coach. That’s the situation in which 61-year-old former Real Madrid boss Del Bosque finds himself. Euro 2008 was won by predecessor Luis Aragones though, so this is his first shot at winning a European Championship.

Star man: Xavi
It’s really a case of take your pick. You’d argue Spain could probably win the tournament even without Xavi, such is their strength in depth. But he keeps the team ticking, just like he does for Barcelona, and is undoubtedly a big player for them.

Prem connections: Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Juan Mata (Chelsea), David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), David Silva (Manchester City). Plus Alvaro Arbeloa (ex-Liverpool) and Xabi Alonso (ex-Liverpool).

Comedy name potential: David De Gea.

Fun country fact: There’s no tooth fairy in Spain, but there is a ‘tooth mouse’ called Ratoncito Pérez.

Anthem / rating: Marcha Real / 4 out of 10
Apparently, it doesn’t have any lyrics officially, but several people have had a stab at writing some over the years. The player don’t sing anything, but Spain’s fans seem to sing the lyrics shown in the video below. Marked down for confusing us.