In just 79 days time, the European Championships will be underway with joint hosts Switzerland taking on the Czech Republic. The continent will stop - or maybe just 'sky plus it' - and it looks set to be a magnificent spectacle. But who is your money on to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy? I took a look at Spain, a side renowned for not fulfilling it's potential, and why they could well be on course for their gold medal in over 40 years.

They have become infamous for prematurely exiting major competitions, but this summer I think La Furia are going to put the record straight. Many will have grown tired of pundits saying this before every competition, and though they are led by controversial character Luis Aragonés, the Spanish national team must not be underestimated. Particularly with the squad consisting of such Premiership stars as Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas and the deadly Fernando Torres,

In saying that, I do not think for one minute that their fellow members of Group D (Greece, Russia and Sweden) will misjudge their ability. I do, however, think that their recent performances could mislead their opponents into a false sense of security.

Because really; could any side that concedes three goals against Northern Ireland actually pose a threat to Italy, the current holders of the famous trophy?

In this case, I think so. Why? Because no matter how many they concede, Spain can score more than any other side in the tournament.

And it isn't just the likes of Torres and David Villa who will be tormenting the opposition defences. Dani Guiza of RCD Mallorca currently sits second top goalscorer in La Liga while seventeen-year-old Bojan Krkic has featured on a regular basis for F.C Barcelona this season making 26 appearances, though he has not yet won a cap for the national side. These four have conjured 71 goals between themselves since the start of the 2007/08 campaign and don't rule legendary Real Madrid striker Raúl out of the equation either. The frontman may be celebrating his 31st birthday in late June, but he has found his old form again for  Los Merengues this year and has looked unstoppable at times.

Goals, therefore, will be the key to Spain's success. Never mind this tactical 4-5-1 business; Luis Aragonés should go all out attack.

But Luis, as he is known in his home country, is the only thing stopping the side from looking unstoppable. The coach has not won a major trophy since lifting the 'Copa del Rey' with Atlético Madrid back in 1992 and only won 6 others in a 30 year managerial spell in the Spanish league (1974-2004).

However, the 69-year-old is set to be replaced as national manager after the European Championships and there is no doubt in my mind that he will want to go out with a bang. He has been in the game for over 50 years and, given his age, may not go on to coach another side. So he has everything to play for, and will surely be motivating his side to do their best for him - providing he finds his false teeth and isn't suffering from alzheimer's.

So, Spain look strong. But that isn't the only reason I'm backing them for success. Their rivals do not look up to much; France did not look overly impressive against England in a friendly back in March and Italy's squad average age is about 42! Germany, odds on favourites in the Euro 2008 betting, do look like strong contenders for the trophy however, and they have my backing to reach the final.

But it will be Iker Casillas to lift the trophy in Vienna on June the 29th if my prediction is correct, and in the meantime let's hope he and his team-mates can make the Englandless European Championships worth watching.