Spain will relish 'favourites' tag, insists Albiol

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol does not believe that there is any risk of Spain buckling under the pressure at Euro 2012, arguing that Vicente Del Bosque's men will actually savour their status as favourites.

There is a huge sense of expectancy surrounding the reigning world and European champions, who are bidding to become the first side to win three successive international tournaments.

However, Albiol is in no doubt that after years of underachievement, the current generation of Roja stars will relish the opportunity to make history.

"We love being favourites, because we have earned it," the centre-half told the Spanish Football Federation's website. "It took us many years to achieve.

"But the team knows they have to maintain the same humility and the same work they have carried in recent years. This is what won us a World Cup, as well as the footballing talent of each player."

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol does not believe that there is any risk of Spain buckling under the pressure at Euro 2012, arguing that Vicente Del Bosque's men will actually savour their status as favourites.

There is a huge sense of expectancy surrounding the reigning world and European champions, who are bidding to become the first side to win three successive international tournaments.

However, Albiol is in no doubt that after years of underachievement, the current generation of Roja stars will relish the opportunity to make history.

"We love being favourites, because we have earned it," the centre-half told the Spanish Football Federation's website. "It took us many years to achieve.

"But the team knows they have to maintain the same humility and the same work they have carried in recent years. This is what won us a World Cup, as well as the footballing talent of each player."