The Spanish football team has always under-achieved in major championships and no one knows why. This year, however, will be a different story as Spain look ready to mount a serious challenge for Euro 2008, starting this weekend. The European domestic seasons have all come to an end and it's time for the best club players to show just what they can do on the international stage. Forget Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid and focus on Spain, Italy and the ever consistent Germany. This tournament is going to be big, and Spain will be the BIG winners.

It is 44 years since Spain lifted their only major trophy, the European Championship in 1964. That is way too long for a team of their talent. Just look at the abundance of quality players they have playing all over Europe for some of the best club teams around. The players ooze skill and confidence but fail to convert seemingly in major championships over recent years. In 2008 Spain are fourth in the FIFA world rankings – only Italy, Brazil and Argentina are ranked higher, illustrating the Spanish side has been one of the best international teams of the past four years. So let’s look at just why I think they can go all the way in Euro 2008 and who may be their nearest rivals.

The main strength of Spain is their attacking power. They have two of the best strikers in the world at the moment. Both David Villa of Valencia and Fernando Torres of Liverpool have been in brilliant form for their clubs and have plenty of international experience between them, already scoring numerous important goals for Spain. They have formed a great partnership together which has seen Spain qualify comfortably for the finals and, with Villa only 26 and Torres 24, both are in their prime to frighten Europe's best defences. A new name to many in the Spanish striking department is Dani Guiza of Mallorca. He is the new sensation in La Liga this season, being the top goalscorer, and although no spring chicken at 27 he is very ambitious and knows he has to be on top form to compete for a starting place against Villa and Torres.

Spain's attacking nature does not stop at its strikers – the midfielders have flair and skill in abundance. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas is definitely the pick of the crop. He is world class and hopes to be as dominant for his country as he was with the Gunners last season. He will form a formidable partnership with the likes of Juan Antonio Reyes, Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Barcelona's Xavi, to name but a few. All these players are playmakers within the team and can constantly feed the strikers with chances.

Spain also have strength in defence. They play a patient game and will need to mix their play if they are going to be European Champions. Michel Salgado, Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos will be at the heart of the defence trying to stop Europe's top strikers scoring against them. They are experienced players and know how to play on the international stage. Real Madrid's Iker Casillas will be in goal and should be on tip-top form following his club's La Liga triumph.They will be hard to break down but need to work as a solid team to be successful.

It's clear to see that Spain have quality all over the field. Coach Luis Aragones is sure to have his team fit and ready and could finally lead them to a major trophy. I think the competition is very open this time, though, with anyone being able to cause a shock in the early group matches. Spain's nearest rivals will be the strong German side and never discount world champions Italy who always seem to relish the big stage. The forwards are Spain's strength and the tactics should revolve around these world-class players.