Spain: Predicting Vincente Del Bosque's Starting XI for Euro 2012

There is not an international manager in the world of football who has a tougher task than Vincente Del Bosque when it comes to selecting his starting XI for a match.

After having won the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup, Del Bosque once again returns his focus to the European Championship for 2012.

Although his team lost to England in their latest international friendly on November 12, 2011, there is truly no need to panic.

Spain remain perhaps the most talented team in the world even after years of success in a row, and there is no doubt that they will put out their best squad this summer in Poland.

The debate truly is who will be in that first team come the group stage of the 2012 European Championship, and there are a huge number of factors that could cause a different side to come out in the summer.

GK: Iker Casillas

Until he is injured or mysteriously loses his form, Iker Casillas is the guaranteed starter for the Spanish in any case.

Pepe Reina might make a start in the summer, but will most likely be on the bench in reserve.

Defense: Alvaro Arbeloa

The former Liverpool and current Real Madrid defender is great going in both directions. He is solid in attack as well as defense and is more reliable to get back than Sergio Ramos ever was when they are facing strong attacking opponents.

Defense: Sergio Ramos

Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos has been converted from a forward-minded right-back to a solid central defender—though he still has his forward tendencies.

Vincente Del Bosque looks to be taking that into thought and will most likely use the player in that position this summer as Carles Puyol is aging out as a permanent starter.

Defense: Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique is an automatic central defense candidate for Spain.

The Barcelona defender is sure to be at the heart of whatever back line Del Bosque puts onto the pitch.

Defensive Midfield: Sergio Busquets

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets continues to be one of the best defensive midfielders for both club and country and will most likely be at the back of any midfield formation.

Midfield: Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso has one of the best eyes for the long pass and long shot in the game. Del Bosque would be amiss to exclude him from a lineup expected to win another title.

Central Midfield: Xavi Hernandez

Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez continues to prove he is one of the most skilled in the world. He has orchestrated the Blaugrana and Spanish midfield for years and will most likely continue to do so.

Central Midfield: Andres Iniesta

What would Xavi Hernandez be without his sidekick Andres Iniesta? Iniesta scored the goal that won the 2010 World Cup for Spain, so why wouldn't he be included?

Attacking Midfield: Juan Mata

Chelsea's newest Spanish attacker has been sensational since joining the Blues. He has also been building his reputation on the international front and, pending any misstep, Mata will be in the first 11 this summer.

Attacking Midfield: David Silva

There has not been a better midfielder in Europe this season than Manchester City's David Silva. If he continues on form for the rest of the season, there is no way he will not be in the Spanish lineup.

Striker: David Villa or Fernando Torres

David Villa looks the most likely candidate to take the first team onto the pitch.

However, Fernando Torres has started to look better and has scored some goals for Chelsea. He was the game-winner for the Spanish over Germany in 2008, and although he has not been that same Torres for a while, he has plenty of time to regain his form because there is no doubting his class.

Most likely, both will see at least a few starts in the Euros.