Portugal have announced their 26-man squad for the upcoming defense of their Euro crown. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co will look to retain their European Championship five years after winning it under dramatic circumstances.
Ronaldo will lead the Portugal National Team once again during the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020. The Juventus star was unsurprisingly named in the 26-man squad for the championships this summer, which he will captain as well. Portugal are the defending champions, after winning the competition five years ago for the first time in their history.
Portugal lifted their first international trophy five years ago by beating hosts France in the 2016 UEFA Euro Final. The Selecao won 1-0, thanks to an extra-time goal by Eder. On that occasion, Ronaldo had to coach his teammates from the sidelines after he left the pitch due to an injury in the first half. Nonetheless, Portugal prevailed when substitute Eder beat Hugo Lloris with a long-range shot.
Fernando Santos’ side entered the subsequent World Cup as one of the favorites – thanks in part to their Euro win. However, they failed to progress past the round of 16, where they were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay, with Edinson Cavani scoring both goals.
The defending Euro champions will be hoping for more silverware from the upcoming competition. However, that is easier said than done. Portugal have been drawn in the “group of death” alongside 2014 World Cup winners Germany, 2018 World Cup winners France, and wildcard Hungary.
Nevertheless, the change in the format of the competition provides hope to all three of the international giants. Apart from the two top teams, the one, which finishes third can also qualify for the knockout stage, as long as their record is better when compared against those who finished in the same position in other groups.
Portugal were the biggest benefactors of this change in format in the previous edition of the competition as they finished third behind Hungary and Iceland in their group but still qualified for the knockouts. They would, of course, go on to win the tournament.
Santos will hope, though, that his side can secure qualification on its own in the 2020 edition of the competition. While Portugal have been drawn in a tough group, they do have some of the world’s best football players at their disposal.
Apart from Ronaldo, the Selecao have also called up the Manchester-based quartet of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias. All three are considered among the best players playing in England at the moment. Liverpool star Diogo Jota also makes the cut, while Liga NOS top scorer Pedro Goncalves has also been included in the 26-man squad. Andre Silva, who has revived his career in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, is also one of the attackers called up. Meanwhile, 2016 Euro’s Young Player of the Tournament – Renato Sanches – is also awarded a berth in the squad thanks to his sensational form for Lille.
