UEFA EURO 2024 Germany is scheduled to begin in June. The one of the biggest international football tournament will return after a gap of four years. Every player dreams to play for his country at the EUROs. However, a few talented players failed to achieve this dream because there is a limit on the number of players in a nation’s squad. Portugal won the EURO 2016 and also 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals. Therefore, they are also among the contenders to win the EURO 2024 in Germany. This EURO is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance. Portugal will bet everything to win the most coveted trophy. Roberto Martinez is the current manager of Portugal Football team. It would be interesting to see Portugal UEFA EURO 2024 Squad and Portugal Starting 11 UEFA EURO 2024.
Portugal UEFA EURO 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)
Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (PSG)
Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (PSG), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).
UEFA EURO 2024 : Portugal Squad Analysis
Goalkeepers
Portugal have a lot of big names in their squad but when it comes to keep the gloves, a strong player is missing. This department might give little worry to Roberto Martinez. The coach has to choose between Diogo Costa and Rui Patricio. Another options are Wolves’ Jose Sa, Tiago Rui Silva, Antony Lopes, and Claudio Ramos who are likely to remain unused. Let’s see who gets a chance to feature in Portugal Starting 11 UEFA EURO 2024..
Defenders
Over the years, Portugal have developed a solid defence line. Ruben Dias is all set to lead the defence but there is little doubt over the name of his partner. Pepe was not included in Portugal squad for Nations League due to injury. In his place, Fernando Santos deployed defensive midfielder Danillo Pereira many a times. Another defensive options are Jose Fonte. There are enough options available for the spots of full backs. We have to wait a little to see the defending combination in Portugal Starting 11 EURO 2024.
Midfielders
Roberto Martinez has a plenty of high quality options available in the midfield area. It would be exciting to see his preferred three. In the last few months, Bruno Fernandes has secured a place in the starting 11. Experienced players like Ruben Neves, Joao Palinha provide further depth to the Portugal EURO 2024 Squad.
Forwards
Just like the midfield section, Portugal’s attacking department is also filled with world class forwards who play for top clubs in Europe. The players to form the front line are almost confirmed. A matter of concern has aroused regarding Diogo Jota and Joao Felix. The options available are Joao Felix and Milan’s Rafael Leao.
Portugal Starting 11 in UEFA EURO 2024
Portugal Starting 11 EURO 2024 (4-2-3-1) :- Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Danillo Pereira, Nuno Mendes; Ruben Neves, Vitinha; Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leo; Cristiano Ronaldo.
How PORTUGAL could line up in EURO 2024
- Diogo Costa (GK) :- Veteran keeper Rui Patricio remained the number one choice in Portugal Stating 11 but he is prone to errors. Fernando Santos has been putting faith in Porto’s Diogo Costa. He is a young keeper and we might see him keeping the gloves Portugal Starting 11 EURO 2024.
- Joao Cancelo (RB) :- Portugal have the best players available in this position. Joao Cancelo is all set to start for Portugal Starting 11 World Cup 2022 but he will surely get competition from Diogo Dalot and Nelson Semedo. The two alternative players are also regular starters in Europe’s top clubs.
- Ruben Dias (CB) :- Manchester City skipper Ruben Dias will be leading the defence of Portugal in Qatar. Ruben is also the main defender of one of the top clubs in Europe. In the recent years, he has established his place in Portugal starting 11.
- Danillo Perreira (CB) :- The name of second centre back is still not confirmed. The PSG midfielder is likely to get that spot. In the absence of Pepe, Danillo played the role of central defender quite well. He might play as a centre back in Portugal Starting 11 at World Cup.
- Nuno Mendes (LB) :- PSG youngster, Nuno Mendes is in the front position to start on the left flank in Portugal Starting 11 World Cup 2022. However, Santos might put his faith in experienced Raphael Guerreiro. Let’s see who gets a place in Portugal starting lineup.
- Ruben Neves (CDM) :- Veteran Joao Moutinho has been out of the plans for Portugal. The 25-year-old has the required skill to replace Moutinho and will definitely impress in games for his country. Fernando Santos is also an admirer of the Wolves youngster and might include him in Portugal starting 11.
- Vitinha (CDM) :- Vitinha has joined Paris Saint-Germain which has also taken his game to one level up. He is being seen as the successor of Verratti which shows that he has some X factor. He has got sufficient opportunities in the past few months and is likely to get a spot in Portugal Starting 11 for EURO 2024.
- Bruno Fernandes (CAM) :- In the beginning, Bruno was not able to adapt to the playing style of Portugal and was kept on bench most of the time. He was not being able to play on the same levels as he plays for Manchester United. But the things have changed now and the midfielder has earned a regular spot in playing 11 of Portugal.
- Bernardo Silva (RM) :- The Manchester City midfielder will be very crucial for Portugal in the upcoming World Cup. He has been playing a crucial role in City’s success since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium. Silva is very dynamic and is able to play in various positions easily.
- Rafael Leao (LM) :- Diogo Jota was all set to start on this position but unfortunately he is ruled out of World Cup after sustaining an injury. AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is the best option to replace Jota on the left wing. Leão has been playing on the left of the front three at Milan. If he gets a chance in Portugal Starting 11 then he might become one of the breakout stars in the World Cup.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) :- Here comes the best player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has been underperforming since the start of new season. He has been struggling to find the net and has spend the time mostly on bench. Still, the fans have great faith in him. Ronaldo is a different beast in Portugal jersey. He will lead the forward line in Portugal lineup.