Cesc Fabregas is determined to put Spain's humbling World Cup defence firmly in the past by making history at Euro 2016.

Vicente del Bosque's side failed to progress from the group stage in Brazil two years ago after defeats to Netherlands and Chile in their opening two matches.

Spain survived the early scare of losing to Slovakia to ease through their European Championship qualifying campaign - winning their last eight games without conceding - and they remain one of the favourites to lift what would be a historic third consecutive continental title.

Fabregas is confident the quality at Del Bosque's disposal will be enough to see Spain reach at least the final in France this year.

"There's a bad taste in our mouths after what happened at the last World Cup," the Chelsea midfielder told Omnisport. "It looks like that experience soured the success we've had a little bit, but I believe this tournament can go well.

"I like to think we can still achieve a lot as a team. To be honest, with the talent, level of competition, and the quality we have, it would be a pity if we didn't do everything in our power to fight right until the end to reach finals, and fight for titles like the Euros and the World Cup."

Fabregas accepts that, just like the World Cup, teams will be seeking to cause an upset against Spain given their success in previous tournaments.

"The main difficulty is that everyone will want to beat us, because we are the defending champions," he said. "We have to ensure that will make us stronger and help us to motivate ourselves because we know all teams want to beat us and know we are one of the favourites.

"Like Germany, Italy, England, Portugal, all these national teams, it's between all of us to compete and try to reach the final."

Regardless of any additional motivation derived from trying to make amends for World Cup disappointment, Fabregas acknowledged the prospect of capturing a third European title in eight years has made the squad as hungry as ever.

"It would go down in history," he added. "It would be just amazing; it's something we have been dreaming about, the team and the country. I hope it will be possible."

Spain's Euro 2016 campaign begins against Czech Republic in Toulouse on June 13, followed by matches against Turkey and Croatia in Group D.