Spain's famous five aiming for EURO hat-trick

They are the gang of five chasing the group of three.

Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, David Silva and the baby of the pack Cesc Fàbregas. The only Spain players who have won the last two UEFA European Championships are here in France with a historic hat-trick on their minds.

Each has his own specific DNA imprinted on the triumphs. Casillas's penalty saves and trophy lifts in Vienna and Kyiv. Silva's headed goal in the final four years ago, when Iniesta was player of the tournament. Ramos, for his part, famously produced a Panenka-style effort in the semi-final penalties drama against Portugal.

But, on this score, Fàbregas holds his own. In 2008, it was his conversion that won the last-eight shoot-out with Spain's bête noir Italy. The provider of Iniesta's decisive goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, the Catalan struck versus the Azzurri and the Republic of Ireland in the 2012 group stage, slotted the clinching spot kick in the semi-final and set up Silva to make it 1-0 in the decider.

David Silva celebrates with Cesc Fàbregas in 2008©Getty Images

The Chelsea midfielder told UEFA.com: "I've been playing for Spain for ten years and, as you say, there have been key moments when I've been present at the right time. I'm proud to have been part of the national team's various generations – normally, in a lifetime, you only experience one of these historic moments, two if you are extremely lucky. But I can say that I have experienced three or four, which is a real dream."

The explanation? Talent, attitude, kismet? Not luck, that is for sure. Fàbregas explained: "You need talent and attitude. Without talent it is difficult, however mentally strong you might be, to achieve something important and vice versa. You must combine them as best you can, but obviously mentality is vital.

"You have to get up every morning, go to training sessions, even if it is raining, very hot or whatever, and you think the weather's a drag. Ultimately you want to keep working, being the best, spreading joy, and I think this is what matters most, every day, in terms of a winning mentality."

The gang of five, searching for their third straight tournament win. Spurred on by Fàbregas, the man for all seasons. A man of destiny.