As the European nations prepare for another World Cup qualifying double-header over the course of the next week, it’s time to assess if a European team can triumph at Brazil 2014.

The obvious answer to that is ‘yes’ when you consider Spain (4/1 – World Cup outright) are the defending world champions and the likes of Holland, Germany and Italy all look strong.

But winning in South America is not as straightforward as in Europe and Brazil, on home soil, are rightly the early favourites at 7/2 overall for more glory in 2014.

But what of the European challenge?

Spain

Let’s start with the obvious. Spain are a fabulous team when at their best as they – eventually – showed at Euro 2012.

It took La Roja a while to get going this summer but, when they clicked, Spain were once again irresistable and virtually unplayable. Any side containing the talents of Xabi Alonso, David Silva, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta – to name just six – is going to take some beating.

When you consider Premier League stars Juan Mata and Santi Cazorla can barely get a look-in then you know you have something special.

Up front they also have what appears to be a rejuvenated Fernando Torres and, barring fresh injury setbacks, should be able to welcome David Villa back into the fold for the World Cup in 2014.

It is early to be predicting Spain can go all the way in Brazil, though, and there may be fresh doubts in two years’ time over what is an ageing squad.

However, the feeling is that this ultra-talented generation can enjoy one last hurrah and bow out in style in Rio.

Holland

Holland (12/1) were fancied to do well in Euro 2012 this summer but ended it with the unwanted tag of ‘heavyweight under-performers’ in a major tournament – there’s usually one -  after crashing out at the group stage.

This after they reached the World Cup final in 2010 and only lost out to Spain in extra time. There is no doubt they have the talent to make an impact come 2014 but much will depend on top striker Robin van Persie’s form and fitness.

The likes of Arjen Robben, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Rafael van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong add plenty of experience and guile but, come 2014, Holland’s hopes may rest with up-and-coming stars like Manchester United new-boy Alexander Buttner, Kevin Strootman of PSV and 20-year-old forward Ola John.

They are likely to advance to the knockout stage but don’t expect too much beyond that.

Italy

The Azzurri surprised many with their run to the final of the Euros and always seem to perform when it matters most in the big tournaments. Well, aside from the last World Cup anyway.

They remain a country to be feared on the world stage when they get it right and will no doubt unearth some new talent come 2014.

Andrea Pirlo was class personified in Poland and Ukraine but, at 33 now, is very unlikely to be around in Brazil so a replacement for him will need to be found.

Mario Balotelli may well develop into the free-scoring, world-class centre-forward some believe he can be come the World Cup, but, overall, unpredictable Italy (16/1) look a tad short of genuine quality players and game-changers to muscle in on the final stages.

Expect either another dramatic early exit with an abject group failure or an unexpected run to the semi-finals.

Germany

The Germans (8/1) looked like the side destined to battle it out with Spain for the Euro crown but ultimately disappointed when losing to Italy in the semi-finals earlier this summer.

When they are in top form, though, they are one of the best sides in the world and will be rightly feared in Brazil.

Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira will have benefited from a couple more years of big-game experience come 2014, while up-and-coming talent like Mario Gotze, Andre Schurrle and Marco Reus will be top international players in a few more years.

The three-times World Cup winners are always likely to be involved come the last eight and, from there, expect a big challenge from the Germans once again, with some astute pundits even tipping them as strong outsiders to lift the famous trophy once again.

The rest….

England (22/1) will no doubt have talked themselves up to believe a place in the last four is achievable in 2014 and there is no doubt emerging players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck and even Liverpool teenager Raheem Sterling could be hyped up and tipped to carry the Three Lions through.

But with a cautious Roy Hodgson likely to be in charge and a squad very much in transition, another glorious failure – probably on penalties – at either the second-round or quarter-final stage, again, beckons.

Of the others, France (25/1) will always fancy their chances of making an impact while neighbours Belgium have what appears to be a ‘golden generation’ coming through with Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Maroune Fellaini, Thomas Vermaelen, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke amongst others tipped to take them far in the competition.

Odds of 33/1 here do seem a little generous considering their ability and they might end up being lively outsiders.

Portugal, Turkey, Russia, Poland, Serbia and Croatia are all traditionally strong but, at this early stage, they look like qualifiers out of their groups at best and there isn’t much beyond that among Europe’s challengers to worry the rest of the world.

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