Fixtures and full squad as Cristiano Ronaldo leads reigning champions and Man City’s Ruben Dias could also be key

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Cristano Ronaldo will lead Portugal into one other European Championship with hopes for glory, and with the assistance of Ruben Dias the nation may pull off one other upset.

Portugal could also be neglected by some but when historical past has instructed us something it’s that they need to by no means be counted out.

Dias and Fonte started in defence together as Portugal beat the Netherlands to win the 2019 Nations League. — Dias and Fonte began in defence collectively as Portugal beat the Netherlands to win the 2019 Nations League.

After beating France within the Euros again in 2016, a match no person noticed them successful, they proved themselves as a staff to not be underestimated.

The bookies place them as sixth favorite behind France, England, Belgium, Spain and Germany, however they’ve a wealth of expertise amongst their ranks that may trigger issues for any facet.

Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the celebrity might be eager to point out why he’s thought to be one of many biggest of all time after a disappointing season with Juventus.

Ronaldo might have completed as high scorer in Serie A with 29 objectives, however Juventus’ decade of dominance was damaged by Inter Milan.

It was a wrestle to even make the highest 4 whereas they endured one other disappointing Champions League exit.

The celebrity should deliver the heroics that received them their final worldwide trophy if they’re in for an opportunity this summer season.

Portugal will look to Ronaldo for leadership. — Portugal will look to Ronaldo for management.

Portugal shares a gaggle with France and Germany, that means one of many high international locations received’t qualify and an intense battle for rivalry might ensue.

With CR7 of their squad it’s possible you’ll be shocked to listen to the important thing to the groups success truly lies of their protection.

With Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Pepe and Raphael Gurrerio as their again 4 it’s going to take unbelievable expertise to attain towards them.

Their complete squad is full of expertise with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix additionally amongst their ranks.

The squad

Portugal have a stronger side than many people may think. — Portugal have a stronger facet than many individuals might imagine.

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Olympique Lyon), Rui Patricio (Wolves), Rui Silva (Granada)

Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Jose Fonte (Lille), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Nuno Mendes (Sporting), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)

Midfielders: Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain), Joao Palhinha (Sporting), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Moutinho (Wolves), Renato Sanches (Lille), Sergio Oliveira (Porto), William Carvalho (Actual Betis)

Forwards: Pedro Goncalves (Sporting), Andre Silva (Eintracht Frankfurt), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid), Rafa Silva (Benfica).

The star man: Ruben Dias

Ruben Dias was on third of Man City’s Portuguese trio who helped them win the Premier League

With Ronaldo in your staff another person being the star man might seem to be blasphemy however Ruben Dias has actually been that good.

At simply 24, Dias has remodeled Man City’s defence into probably the most formidable within the Premier League.

His willingness to place his physique on the road, get in entrance of any shot and organise his again 4 has led Pep Guardiola’s facet to a home double and their first-ever Champions League remaining.

France and Germany, two of the groups in Portugal’s group each have sensible firepower, and if Portugal are going to have an opportunity of constructing it previous the group levels protection would be the key.

The FWA Footballer of the 12 months already has 27 worldwide caps to his identify, if he can replicate his heroics within the Champions League semi-final towards Paris Saint-Germain Portugal are in secure palms.

The one to look out for: Pedro Goncalves

Goncalves has been in stunning goalscoring form this season. — Goncalves has been in beautiful goalscoring kind this season.

Pedro Goncalves is a reputation extra acquainted in Portugal however the attacking midfielder has frolicked in England.

His first and solely look was for Wolverhampton Wanderers again in 2018 earlier than returning to Portugal.

This season the teenager has scored 23 objectives in 32 appearances for Sporting Lisbon and is already being linked to a transfer to Liverpool.

Labelled as ‘the following Bruno Fernandes’ the midfielder is understood for his technical potential and ruthlessness in entrance of objective, two essential expertise for an attacking participant.

Goncalves is but to get his first worldwide cap, will he be capable of impress on the world’s greatest stage?

The supervisor: Fernando Santos

Fernando Santos has done well since joining Portugal. — Fernando Santos has achieved properly since becoming a member of Portugal.

Fernando Santos has been an enormous success since his arrival in 2014.

The previous defender led Portugal to their solely European Championship title in 2016, beating a France staff seen because the heavy favourites.

He additionally led Portugal to a UEFA Nations League victory in 2019, beating Netherlands to say victory.

Santos could have the duty of coping with ‘the group of dying’ if he desires to be victorious on the Euros, and though they’re anticipated to make it out of the group it’s going to be a troublesome activity.

With key gamers Pepe and Ronaldo ageing, the supervisor goes to should depend on his youthful gamers to make an influence.