Portugal squad for upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers announced
Fernando Santos has confirmed his latest squad for the matches against Luxembourg and Ukraine later this month.
Portugal know that winning just 3 of their remaining 4 matches will guarantee a place at the Euro 2020 finals, but will be aiming to finish 1st in the group to ensure they are a pot 1 team in the group stage draw.
In terms of the goalkeepers Fernando Santos has opted for, there is little surprise as Rui Patricio is chosen, expected to start both of Portugal’s matches in the next 10 days, while Goztepe’s Beto is also included.
The third goalkeeper chosen is Jose Sa, the Olympiakos number one pipping Rui Silva to a place in the team. Sa is yet to make his debut for Portugal despite having been included in the last few Portugal squads.
Fernando Santos has opted to bring four centrebacks, with the usual trio of Pepe, Ruben Dias and Jose Fonte all included in the Portugal squad yet again, Pepe back in the side after missing out on the last squad through injury.
The fourth centreback called up is Olympiakos’ Ruben Semedo. With Daniel Carrico still carrying an injury, the door opened for Semedo to be included in the squad, having performed to a very high standard during his time in Greece. Only a month ago, seeing Ruben Semedo get called up to the Portugal squad seemed fanciful.
At right back, there was a lot of interest as to whether Ricardo Pereira would be included in the squad - and he deservedly has. The Leicester City fullback has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, and he is chosen ahead of Joao Cancelo. Alongside him, Nelson Semedo is also selected.
In at left, the typical duo of Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro and Napoli’s Mario Rui are both selected, the former likely to start both matches should he remain fully fit.
Ruben Neves and Danilo Pereira have then both been chosen, the two more defensive options Santos has to choose from in the centre of midfield, while William Carvalho, who is integral to Fernando Santos’ plans, is present in the squad too.
Also in midfield, the experienced Joao Moutinho has unsurprisingly been selected, with Pizzi and Joao Mario also selected.
Sporting CP captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes was also called up, one of the most in-form Portuguese players across the globe despite playing in a side that are badly out of form.
Bernardo Silva is one of the forward selected in the squad, with Goncalo Guedes, Rafa Silva, and star man Cristiano Ronaldo all also included in the 25-man squad. Young star Joao Felix is also in Fernando Santos’ arsenal, the Atletico player having just scored his first ever Champions League goal.
There is a small surprise in the inclusion of Bruma, who has had a strong season for PSV so far. He is in the squad in place of the injured Diogo Jota.
Andre Silva also makes the cut.
William Carvalho. Photo author: Дмитрий Голубович. License link.
