Xabi Alonso has expressed his belief that Spain will have to be "perfect" if they want to retain their European Championships crown.

Spain have dominated world football in recent years, ending their international football drought by winning Euro 2008, and following it up with success in the 2010 World Cup.

Now, Spain are bidding to become the first European team in history to win three consecutive major international tournaments, although Alonso believes that Euro 2012 will be the hardest one yet.

"It is increasingly more difficult to keep winning," Alonso told GQ.

"We have a good team, we have the experience, but there are also other teams that have prepared well and are very eager.

"I think it will be even more difficult than our World Cup win because we are going to have to do things almost perfectly to win it."

Alonso, who helped Real Madrid to their first La Liga title since 2008 this season, has won 93 caps for the national team, scoring 12 goals.