Mourinho predicts Spain success

Mourinho says playing abroad will help some of Spain's squad

Jose Mourinho believes Spain could finally deliver at Euro 2008 after a poor record in past tournaments.

Spain have not progressed beyond the last eight in the last five European Championships, despite being regularly listed among the favourites.

"Tradition says Spain are very strong at club level but haven't done really well in the national team final phases," said Mourinho.

"But who knows," added the new Inter Milan boss. "They can do it this time."

Spain won the tournament in 1964 and were runners-up 20 years later but they since have since struggled to match expectations.

They enter Euro 2008 as one of the strong favourites and Mourinho cited the experience Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will have gained playing in the Premier League as one of their strengths.

606: DEBATE Can Spain win Euro 2008?

He also pointed out that Real Madrid's cruise to the La Liga title and early elimination from the Champions League will work in Spain's favour.

"Spain have a lot of good players," said the former Chelsea boss, who is an ambassador for Ford's feelfootball.com campaign.

"They have players who are playing outside of Spain who have adapted to a different football culture, especially in England.

"I think clearly for Fabregas and Torres to play in England is an incredibly good situation for their improvement as young players.

"The Real Madrid players in my opinion are in great condition because it was an easy season for them.

"It was not a difficult season for them. They did not play in the Champions League because they were out in the last 16.

"The league was easy for them because Barcelona was losing all the time so they didn't have these last months of pressure."