Spain midfielder Xavi has expressed his belief that the European Championships are harder to win than the World Cup.
Spain currently hold both titles, and are looking to complete an unprecedented treble by retaining the Euros this summer.
However, Xavi believes that their status will make them the team that everyone wants to beat and that, unlike the World Cup, there are no weak teams in the tournament.
"Everyone wants to beat the champions. For us it is another game, for our opponent is it the game. Moreover, we are without [David] Villa and [Carles] Puyol," said the Barcelona playmaker.
"[Coach] Vicente Del Bosque was right to say they are irreplaceable but we will try to compensate for their loss with other people.
"The European Championships is harder than the World Cup, more intense. There are no Cinderellas. In the World Cup, with all respect, you can face Honduras or Saudi Arabia. In the Euros, anyone can beat you."
Spain, who are bidding for their third European Championships success, face Italy in their opening match on June 10.
Barney Corkhill
