This is what Alonso said about Spain and their chances in Austria and Switzerland:
“There is no clear reason, but it’s clear we have underachieved.
“Each tournament is a great chance for us to try and prove that we can perform and be positive in a final tournament.
“Because of that we have faith in ourselves and we will strive to reach the level we expect and want to reach.
“It is great for us, with the qualities that they [Fabregas and Iniesta] have. But the style of the national team is quite clear: get the ball to Xavi.
“We play possession football and with those players it’s normal that it’s quite an attractive prospect.
“Cesc has been great. Arsenal have presented a great style of football, with Fabregas at the hub of it.
“A couple of times this season it is fair to say that they have been amazing. The player that has been the link between the defence and the attack, the playmaker of the team has been Fabregas.”
Can Spain do it this time? They ask the same question every two years and the answer inevitably comes as a firm negative.