The future: Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata (centre) is only 23 years of age

A repeat of the bad blood spilled during last season's Champions League semi-final between La Liga's biggest clubs could be a disaster for the national team.

'If Spain don't win Euro 2012, this will be the reason,' says Armstrong. 'A wedge has been driven in there and a lot of the good work done has been undone.'

It provides a sliver of hope for those plotting to dethrone the Spanish in Poland and Ukraine, but it would be tragic for international football to lose its saviours. 

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