Portugal Euro 2020 Squad:
The reigning champions have a better squad on paper than when they won it in France.
The fact that André Silva, who scored more Bundesliga goals than Erling Haaland in 2020-21, may not start says all about the quality up front.
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 (Real 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).
Strengths:
Fearsome Attack: Portugal are blessed with an impressive array of attacking options. The
likes of Diego Jota, Bruno Fernandes, Jao Felix and Bernardo Silva are capable of cutting open any team’s defence. To top it all they also have arguably the greatest European goalscorer and match winner in Cristiano Ronaldo who is fresh from winning the Golden Boot with Juventus.
Strong Defence:
Goalkeeper Rui Patricio has been a solid performer for Portugal for several years, while Ruben Dias and Cancelo enjoyed superb seasons in Manchester City’s title winning campaign. Left Back Raphael Guerreiro is also a solid performer, the only slight concern for Portugal is that one of 38-year-old Pepe or 37 year old Fonte might start alongside Ruben Dias. Santos will hope the duo’s experience will make up for their lack of speed.
Weaknesses
Central Midfield:
Portugal do have the likes of Bruno Fernandes and rejuvenated Renato Sanches in their ranks to fulfill the creative responsibilities, however their options in midfield are less impressive. Joao Moutinho at 34 is not the player he once was, while Danilo didn’t play enough at PSG this season, Ruben Neves has struggled to influence games regularly for Portugal. Portugal’s other options are inexperienced or lack the quality to make the difference.
