Aduriz backing Spain for Euro success

Aritz Aduriz firmly believes that Spain are the favourites to win Euro 2016 this summer despite their inconsistent form since they successfully defended their European title four years ago.

The 35-year-old Athletic Bilbao striker has thrust himself into contention to be a part of coach Vicente Del Bosque’s 23-man squad in France thanks to a successful season with 31 goals in all competitions to date.

Aduriz, who also bagged 26 goals last term, further staked his claim with a goal for Spain in their recent 1-1 friendly draw against Italy.

La Roja also drew 0-0 with Romania at the end of last month as they continue their preparations for the finals on the back of a successful qualification campaign in which they topped their group thanks to nine wins and one defeat from 10 games.

However, memories of their dismal World Cup defence in Brazil almost two years ago are still fresh in the memory.

Spain failed to progress out of the group stage and were thrashed 5-1 by the Netherlands during the tournament.

But Aduriz claims the squad can draw on the experience of winning the last two European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa to boost them.

“Today, the best team is the one with the most options. Spain is favourite because they are the reigning champion and because they have shown that they are able to compete with the best,” he told Sportium News.

“Spain has been the dominant force in recent years. They have earned that credit.”
Spain are 6.50 to win Euro 2016.