Portugal Euro 2020 squad revealed!
Fernando Santos has named the 26-man squad that will be looking to defend Portugal’s European crown this summer.
Santos has not caused too many surprises with the unveiling of his stellar lineup, with no major exclusions in the expanded squad for this continent-wide event - although his decision to call up just three out-and-out centrebacks will have likely raised a few eyebrows.
There is space for veteran Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, who are both still key figures for the national team. English Premier League’s Football Writers’ Association Men’s Footballer of the Year Ruben Dias is also included, alongside teammates Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo. City rivals Manchester United are also represented in the Portugal squad thanks to the call-up of their player of the season Bruno Fernandes.
Other key players of the Portugal team, including Wolves quartet Rui Patricio, Nelson Semedo, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves are also in the squad, alongside the likes of fellow English-based player Diogo Jota.
Portuguese champions Sporting CP are also heavily represented, with Joao Palhinha and young star Nuno Mendes both included in the squad, while there is also a place for the Primeira Liga top scorer Pedro Goncalves, who is set to make his debut for the senior national team.
Lisbon rivals Benfica are also represented thanks to the inclusion of winger Rafa Silva, while Sergio Oliveira joins Pepe in the squad to give Porto two representatives. Potential French champions Lille OSC have the same number of players included, with both Renato Sanches and Jose Fonte called up.
Two other French based players are also in the team, with goalkeeper Anthony Lopes and defensive midfielder Danilo Pereira both making the cut.
From Spain’s La Liga, Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, Valencia’s Goncalo Guedes, Real Betis’ William Carvalho and Granada’s Rui Silva are in the squad, while Raphael Guerreiro and Andre Silva are the two represntatives of Germany.
The major exclusion is the absence of Domingos Duarte who, despite the expanded squad size, is left out, with Danilo Pereira expected to add as the fourth centreback option should injuries and suspensions require.
Full Portugal squad:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio | Anthony Lopes | Rui Silva.
Defenders: Ruben Dias | Pepe | Jose Fonte | João Cancelo | Nelson Semedo | Raphael Guerreiro | Nuno Mendes.
Midfielders: Ruben Neves | João Palhinha | Danilo Pereira | William Carvalho | Sergio Oliveira | João Moutinho | Renato Sanches | Bruno Fernandes.
Forwards: Bernardo Silva | Diogo Jota | João Felix | Gonçalo Guedes | Pedro Goncalves | Rafa Silva | Cristiano Ronaldo | Andre Silva.
