Position: Defender

Born: 31.07.79

Club: Valencia

Another of the Valencia stars that make up the core of the Spain squad, Carlos Marchena was given the difficult task of filling Fernando Hierro's boots after the legendary defender retired.

An impossible job maybe, but Marchena's ability to contain players has made him an integeral part of the Spain squad.

The 26-year-old spent time at Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Benfica before settling at Valencia where he has enjoyed a glittering career.

He arrived at the Mestalla in 2001, the season Valencia finally ended their La Liga drought, but struggled to impose himself in the centre of defence that term.

By 2003/2004 Marchena had made the position his own and was a major figure in a back-line that conceded just 11 goals in another championship-winning season.

Valencia completed the double shortly after by lifting the UEFA Cup, another triumph based around Los Che's impenetrable defence.

Marchena's performances earned him a late call-up to the Euro 2004 squad but the defender was unable to add to his domestic honours as Spain crashed out in the group stages.

The emergence of Sergio Ramos has put his starting role under some threat but Luis Aragones is likely to trust in Marchena's superior experience in Germany.