Euro 2020: squad sizes increase to 26 - A look at Portugal's potential squad

It it set to be formalised that the Euro 2020 squads will each consist of 26 players, an increase of 3 from the norm in an effort to help deal with fatigue after a uniquely demanding season, as well as any potential localized coronavirus outbreaks.

Such a decision has no doubt facilitated Portugal manager Fernando Santos’ quest to choose his ideal squad, though some high-profile players of the national team may still have to miss out.

In goal there should be no issues for Santos though. Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopes and Rui Silva will likely make up the three between the sticks, with the only real question mark being around Rui Silva, who could be replaced with Olympiakos’ Jose Sá. Otherwise, the shot-stoppers pick themselves.

Centreback should equally cause few headaches for Santos. Ruben Dias, Pepe and Jose Fonte all pick themselves after each experiencing excellent campaigns - though the final spot in the heart of defence is up for debate. The leading candidates are Granada's Domingos Duarte and Olympiakos’ Ruben Semedo - though after a stellar campaign, one of the Sporting boys, be it Luis Neto or Gonçalo Inacio, could make a case for their inclusion. Duarte is the most likely though.

In the fullback department, there is similarly only one place that is debatable. On the left Santos will have already decided his two best options: Raphael Guerreiro and young revelation Nuno Mendes. But while the left backs pick themselves, at right back it is slightly more complicated. João Cancelo will undoubtedly go if he's fit, but his understudy could be any of Ricardo Pereira, Cedric Soares and Nelson Semedo. Ricardo Pereira seems best placed to take that vacancy.

That's the defence sorted then - what about in midfield? Were this a 23-man squad, this could prove quite a difficult decision for Santos, but with the significant increase in squad size, it should be far more straightforward.

All but guaranteed a place on the plane, in terms of more defensive midfielders, are Ruben Neves, João Palhinha and Danilo Pereira. Bruno Fernandes, Sergio Oliveira, Renato Sanches and João Moutinho are also fully expected to get a call-up, while William Carvalho, who is so integral to Portugal but missed the last squad, should return for the Euros. That midfield provides good balance for Portugal, and a good variety of different strengths and attributes depending on the opposition and circumstances.

In the attacking areas, Santos likely would have struggled without the squad size increase. The absence of Pedro Neto will be a big blow, though Portugal have more than enough quality to cope without him. Cristiano Ronaldo is already on the plane, and will of course be joined by Bernardo Silva, João Felix, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.

That leaves two spaces open, and you would expect one of them to go to Rafa Silva, who was selected in the last squad and offers a good deal of pace and directness. The final additional spot, though, is still somewhat unclaimed.

Pedro Gonçalves is fully deserving of the opportunity after a truly sensational season for the unbeatable Sporting. He could offer something of a wildcard. Santos has also made clear that he would like Porto’s versatile Brazilian-born winger, Otavio, to represent Portugal, so he is also a serious contender, while Gonçalo Guedes, who has impressed for Portugal in the past, is always in consideration. Barcelona's Trincão has already earned experience for the senior national team too, and he could be in contention. Otavio, the wildcard option, may well take it should all parties agree to the decision.

Potential 26-man Portugal squad:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio | Anthony Lopes | Rui Silva.

Defenders: Ruben Dias | Pepe | Jose Fonte | Domingos Duarte | João Cancelo | Ricardo Pereira | 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 | Otavio | Rafa Silva | Cristiano Ronaldo | Andre Silva.