When Spain bowed out in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup, shockwaves were sent around the world. Was it over for a team that had been so dominant over the past three major international tournaments?
The competition in Brazil proved the end for the likes of Xavi, David Villa and Xabi Alonso, while characters in the shape of Carlos Puyol have not really been replaced, despite the best efforts of head coach Vicente del Bosque.
Off the back of the World Cup, Spain lost 1-0 to France in a friendly in September and were also beaten 2-1 by Slovakia in their second match of their Euro 2016 qualification section, which, of course, raised more questions.
Spain were seen as slight outsiders for this summer's World Cup due to Europe's struggles on South American soil, but it was Germany that upset the odds to claim the trophy. Germany, along with the hosts France and Belgium, are seen as major players ahead of the 2016 European Championships, with Spain almost dismissed as a team that are heading in the wrong direction.
Here, Sports Mole has picked out a youthful Spain XI - in a 4-3-3 formation - for Euro 2016, should of course La Roja qualify for the competition.
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David de Gea (Manchester United)
De Gea seems to have finally ousted Iker Casillas as the number one for his country. The 24-year-old had a difficult start to his Manchester United career, but has since developed into one of the best stoppers in Europe. In truth, he could easily be Spain's first choice for the next 10 years at least.
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
By the time Euro 2016 rolls around, Carvajal will be 26 and should be entering his prime years. The right-back re-joined Real Madrid from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and has been outstanding since returning to the Bernabeu. He has pace, power and defensive ability in abundance.
Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Martinez is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury, but providing he can stay injury-free over the next 12 months, he will be in the Spain XI. The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength at Bayern Munich and brings a calmness to defensive areas that Spain have perhaps lacked in recent months.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
The centre-back is still a little undervalued by some, but his haul of trophies and appreciation from teammates tells its own story. Ramos will be 30 in 2016, but still has the athleticism to star for his country. The youngsters are knocking on the door, but the 28-year-old remains a certainty for La Roja.
Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Bayern Munich's Juan Bernat is pressuring Alba these days, but the Barcelona defender still has age on his side. The left-back seems to have been around for years, but is still just 25 and has been in fine form for his club this season. There is now some serious competition, but Alba wins outright.
Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Quite possibly the hottest midfielder in Europe right now. The 22-year-old was exceptional last season for Atletico and has started the new campaign in the same vein – registering seven league assists in 11 matches. Koke will be one of the first names on the teamsheet in Euro 2016.
Isco (Real Madrid)
Talking of La Liga assists, Isco has five of them despite starting the season out of the Real Madrid XI. The midfielder has been in fine form in recent weeks, however, and at the age just 22, he has time on his side. That said, it is imperative that he continues to play regular football. Ahem, Gareth Bale.
Ander Herrera (Manchester United)
With Barcelona's Sergio Busquets not in the best of form, the door could be open for Herrera, who started the season in brilliant fashion for Manchester United before suffering a broken rib. Athletic Bilbao have felt the absence of the 25-year-old, who has all the attributes to star in a three-man midfield.
Jese Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
The 21-year-old made the breakthrough at Real Madrid last season, scoring eight times in 31 games for Los Blancos before suffering a serious knee injury, which has kept him out of this term. The attacker is an outstanding prospect, however, and with plenty of time until 2016, fitness will not be a problem.
Diego Costa (Chelsea)
The 26-year-old finally broke his goal-scoring duck for Spain against Luxembourg, but it would be fair to say that he has not yet settled in a La Roja shirt. The forward has the talent to fire his side to glory, however, with La Liga and now Premier League defences knowing all about his ability.
Munir El Haddadi (Barcelona)
There had to be a wildcard thrown in didn't there? Few had heard of the 19-year-old before this season, but since August, he has made his first-team Barcelona debut and full bow for Spain. The forward scored on his debut for his club earlier this season and has been regularly involved at the Camp Nou. A full breakthrough next season could lead to a starring role for his country in 2016.
