Intro:

Preview ahead of Spain's appearance as defending champions at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

Script:

Spain will be most people's favourites to defend their European Championship trophy in Poland and Ukraine.

Vicente del Bosque's side have dominated the global game in recent years, winning the Euros in Austria and Switzerland four years ago as well as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Del Bosque will announce his final squad on Sunday 27th May.

The 61-year-old is looking forward to their opening game on June 10th.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Vicente Del Bosque, Spain coach

"Well, it looks like the game against Italy is very far away, but in reality it's very close. We need to notice that we are in the middle of European competitions and that times flies. This is a very intensive time for our players. It's intense because they must finish their domestic seasons and any other games in the Champions League."

Spain will be without captain Carlos Puyol, who has been ruled out after undergoing knee surgery.

All-time record goal scorer, David Villa, could also be absent as he recovers from a broken leg.

Winger Santi Cazorla believes more changes could be made.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Santiago Cazorla, Spain

"We are still quite far away from the Euros and there could be a lot of changes within the team and the squad. But there are a lot of great players in Spain, so whatever the final squad is it will be a good one. Our group is a difficult one, but all the groups are hard. It is important that we start well against Italy. We must make a good start, then we can focus on the rest of the tournament."

Spain face the Republic of Ireland, Croatia and Italy in Group C as they aim to become the first nation to retain the European Championship title.