How will Portugal line up at UEFA Euro 2020?

Portugal has competed in seven UEFA European Championship tournaments (the eighth would be held in 2021); their first tournament was in 1984, and they have advanced through the first round in every edition.

Portugal has been to the semi-finals five times, including as hosts in 2004, when they lost to tournament underdogs Greece. After defeating hosts France 1–0 in the Euro 2016 final, they earned their first major tournament victory.

Portugal won its first major tournament title after defeating hosts and two-time winners France 1–0 in extra time, with a goal by replacement Eder. They became the tenth country to win the UEFA European Championship, 12 years after losing their first final in their home country in 2004.

After Portugal in 2004, France were the second host team to lose in the final, and they faced their first defeat in a major tournament since the 1960 European Nations' Cup third-place playoff against Czechoslovakia.

After the inaugural final in 1960, this was the fifth European Championship final to result in a draw after 90 minutes of play, and the second in which the winner was determined by extra time.

Portugal was handed the right to compete in their first FIFA Confederations Cup, which was held in Russia in 2017.

The UEFA EURO 2020 schedule for Portugal's games in Group F: (All kick-off times are shown in CET: Central European Time)

Tuesday 15 June:

 Hungary vs Portugal (18:00, Budapest)

Saturday 19 June: 

Portugal vs Germany (18:00, Munich)

Wednesday 23 June:

 Portugal vs France (21:00, Budapest)

How will Portugal line up at UEFA Euro 2020?

Euro 2020 squad will have its usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

With a back four, five midfielders, and a center forward, the 4-2-3-1 system is a popular choice. The flexibility of this configuration is its advantage: it may simply be converted to a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3.

Furthermore, the defensive stability and attack potency are well balanced. This formation is now used by a number of elite international teams.

Two center backs and two defensive midfielders, or the "double six," provide center-back stability, but the wings are still doubled up, with a fullback and an offensive outside midfielder on each side.

If you don't have the right kind of player for the position, or if there isn't adequate support from midfield (through the offensive midfielder and wingers), a game with one center forward can be difficult. Switching to a 4-3-3 offence makes sense in this situation.

In general, playing in four rows is advantageous because it allows players scattered deep down the pitch to respond fast.

The list we have gathered includes players whom we think have the best chance to make it to the 11 main players. Here are all the players who will have a chance to be a member in Portugal Euro 2020 squad:

• Goalkeepers:

  Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopes, Rui Silva

• Defenders:

  Nelson Semedo, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro, Jose Fonte, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes

• Midfielders:

  Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Danilo, William Carvalho, Renato Sanches, Goncalo Guedes, Ruben Neves, Pote, Sergio Oliveira, Joao Palhinha

Forwards:

, Andre Silva, Rafa Silva, Diogo Jota, Joao Felix

Here is our very own list of the players we think would act as the main members of Portugal Euro 2020 squad.

GK: Rui Patricio

Rui Pedro dos Santos Patricio ComM (born 15 February 1988) currently plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the

and for the Portugal national team.

On 12 May, he was included in the squad for UEFA Euro 2008, although he did not play in the tournament.

Patricio took over as the starter after Eduardo was relegated to the bench at his new club, S.L. Benfica, and both players concluded the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with five games (450 minutes) as Portugal qualified for the final stages.

In the finals in Poland and Ukraine, he was the starting goalkeeper, conceding four goals in five games in an eventual semi-final exit.

Patricio made his 50th international appearance on June 30, 2016, during Euro 2016: following a 1–1 draw with Poland in the first 120 minutes at the Stade Velodrome, he saved Jakub Baszczykowski's penalty attempt in a 5–3 penalty shootout win that advanced the team to the semi-finals.

Patricio possesses quick responses when it comes to blocking close-range strikes. In both open play and set-pieces, he prefers to keep on his line rather than coming in to claim crosses, relying on his center-backs to clear the ball or his agility to stop attempts that come his way.

He makes up for his lack of willingness to claim deliveries with a mix of his responses, powerful wrists, and save technique.

Patricio is one of the players who will be included in the Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

CB: Jose Fonte

Jose Miguel da Rocha Fonte ComM (born December 22, 1983) currently plays as a center-back for

in France and the Portugal national team. He is going to play for the

Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

Fonte has been a member of the Portuguese national team since he was 30 years old, having competed in two European Championships and the 2018 World Cup, winning Euro 2016.

Fonte was called up to the full team for the first time on October 3, 2014, when he was nearly 31 years old, for a friendly against France and a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Denmark.

On November 18, he made his debut in another exhibition game, the second half of a 1–0 triumph over Argentina at Old Trafford.

Manager Fernando Santos chose Fonte for his Euro 2016 team. On the 25th of June, he made his tournament debut, starting alongside Southampton teammate Cedric Soares in a round-of-16 match against Croatia (1–0 triumph after extra time).

He went on to hold his position until the final, which he won at the cost of the hosts, France.

Fonte will be present in Portugal Euro 2020.

CB: Ruben Dias

Ruben dos Santos Gato Alves Dias (born 14 May 1997) currently plays for

in the Premier League and the Portugal national team. Ruben is supposed to be a part of the Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

Dias competed in the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship for the Under-17 team. He captained the Under-19 squad at the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship two years later.

He captained the Under-20 side at the 2017 U-20 World Cup the following year. He made his Under-21 debut against Wales on September 5, 2017, in a 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match.

Dias adds a calm and collected demeanor to his team's defense, as he is at ease in possession and confident in his ability to maintain control of a situation even when exposed.

He is adept at swiping the ball or snatching possession from an opponent by using his upper-body strength to push his opponent off the ball.

Dias uses a popular tactic of wrapping his leg around an opponent and approaching the ball from the side when dispossessing them.

When an opponent attempts to receive on the half-turn, Dias is most efficient at reaching to put a toe out around their side, but even if they succeed in keeping their back to Dias, he is quite good at reaching to stick a toe out around their side.

LB: Raphael Guerreiro

Raphael Adelino Jose Guerreiro ComM (born December 22, 1993) plays as a left-back but also as a left midfielder for German club

and the Portuguese national team.

Fernando Santos called him up to the full squad on November 7, 2014, despite the fact that he barely understood the language, for a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Armenia and a friendly against Argentina.

He made his debut against his former opponent on November 14, playing the entire 1–0 win in Faro. He netted the only goal at Old Trafford four days later, against Argentina, in the closing minutes.

Guerreiro returned to the under-21s for the 2015 UEFA European Championship in the Czech Republic, where he was instrumental in the team's second-place result. He was one of five Portuguese players named to the Tournament Team.

Guerreiro was named to the main squad for the Euro 2016 campaign, and he played the entire 90 minutes in the team's first match, a 1–1 draw in Saint-Etienne against Iceland.

Portugal went on to win the championship, defeating hosts France 1–0 in extra time in the final; he was nominated for the Young Player of the Tournament Award, which ultimately went to his teammate Renato Sanches, based on his efforts throughout the competition.

Guerreiro will be participating in the Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

RB: Joao Cancelo

Joao Pedro Cavaco Cancelo (born 27 May 1994) currently plays for Manchester City in the Premier League and the Portugal national team.

He is primarily a right-back, although he also has the ability to play as a right-winger or left-back.

Portugal Euro 2020

squad will include Cancelo.

Cancelo made his senior debut for Portugal in 2016, after having previously represented the country at all levels of the youth system, winning 75 caps and scoring three goals. He also played in the 2015 UEFA European Championship Final for

.

Cancelo competed in the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship for Portugal. He was also chosen for the next edition, which was held in Lithuania.

Cancelo competed in the 2015 European Championships with the under-21 team. In the tournament's final runner-up finish to Sweden, he substituted left-back Raphael Guerreiro midway through the second half of the 5–0 semi-final win against Germany.

Cancelo, who is regarded as a promising player by the media, is most known for his speed, energy, and offensive capabilities, as well as his technique, dribbling skills, creativity, and ability to cross.

Cancelo, in our opinion, will be a main member of the Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

DM: Danilo Pereira

Danilo Luis Helio Pereira CvIH ComM (born September 9, 1991) currently plays as a defensive midfielder for Ligue 1 club

and the Portugal national team. Danilo will be taking part in the Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

On March 31, 2015, Pereira made his senior international debut in Estoril, replacing fellow debutant Bernardo Silva after 62 minutes of a 0–2 friendly loss to Cape Verde.

Manager Fernando Santos also chose him for the UEFA Euro 2016 squad, and he scored his first goal in the last warm-up game, a 7–0 triumph over Estonia in Lisbon on June 8.

Pereira is a strong enforcer who seeks to establish himself in the battle for midfield supremacy.

He is the man who allows some of Porto's more attack-minded midfielders to move forward to support the likes of Andre Silva. He usually sits in front of the back four.

The Portugal international isn't just about strength; he also has excellent technique and isn't afraid to hold possession in tight situations.

Pereira also has a strong engine, and his fitness levels allow him to sprint up and down the field if necessary.

All these attributes lead to the fact that he is probably going to be a key player in the Portugal Euro 2020.

CM: Ruben Neves

Ruben Diogo da Silva Neves (born 13 March 1997) is a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League and the Portugal national team.

As team captain at the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, Neves assisted Portugal in reaching the semi-finals. A group of UEFA reporters ranked him one of the top ten talents of the tournament based on his performances.

Coach Rui Jorge called Neves to the under-21 team on August 29, 2014, when he was only 17 years old. On 14 October, he scored his first goal in a 5–4 home victory over the Netherlands in the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship playoff round.

According to a UEFA.com article, Neves is a defensive midfielder who isn't afraid to venture forward and initiate attacks, displaying tremendous maturity as well as accurate passing ability, remarkable vision, and a keen sense of positioning.

For his great first touch, comparable eagerness to press his opponents, and good delivery, he has drawn similarities to Portuguese international teammate

.

In addition to his intelligence and long-range shooting skill, Neves was praised in the media for his technical, tactical, and mental talents. Neves is going to playing for the

Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

AM: Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes (born September 8, 1994) plays for Manchester United in the Premier League and for the Portugal national team.

After returning from the UEFA European Under-21 Championship on June 27, 2017, Fernandes signed a five-year contract with

for a reported sum of €8.5 million plus bonuses.

On September 12, Fernandes made his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage, scoring a 3–0 goal in the 43rd minute of Olympiacos FC's eventual 3–2 victory.

He scored 16 goals in all competitions in his first season, second only to Bas Dost.

Fernandes, an attacking midfielder, is a dynamic, box-to-box playmaker who can both take on defenders and set the tempo of the game. Fernandes' directness also means he takes a lot of risks with the types and levels of passes he tries to complete, especially considering the fact that he frequently tries to deliver killer ones.

Despite his tendency for turnovers, he usually pushes the opposition immediately after losing possession. From his midfield position, Fernandes has a prolific goal-scoring record. He is a good free-kick and penalty taker and frequently shoots from outside the penalty box.

RW: Bernardo Silva

Bernardo Mota Veiga de Carvalho e Silva (born 10 August 1994), also known as Bernardo Silva or simply Bernardo currently plays for Premier League club Manchester City and the Portugal national team as an offensive midfielder or winger.

Silva competed in the 2013 European Under-19 Championship for Portugal, reaching the semi-finals. A group of UEFA reporters rated him one of the top ten talents under the age of 19 in Europe for his performance.

Silva scored Portugal's opening goal in a 5–0 triumph over

in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship in the Czech Republic on June 27, 2015.

Due to injury, he was left out of the Portuguese squad for the Euro 2016 finals.

Silva is a small, graceful, and creative left-footed playmaker with a slender body who can play in a variety of attacking and midfield roles.

He has played as a winger on both flanks (though he prefers the right side of the pitch), a central midfielder, a deep-lying playmaker, an attacking midfielder, or even a second striker; he has also played as a false 9 or even as a wing-back on occasion.

Silva is going to be included in the Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

LW: Diogo Jota

Diogo Jose Teixeira da Silva (born 4 December 1996), better known by his nickname Diogo Jota, is a forward for Premier League side

and the Portuguese national team. Jota will indeed be a part of the Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

Jota made his debut for Portugal at the age of 19, scoring his first goal in a 6–1 home thrashing of Turkey in the UEFA European Championship qualifying phase on May 29, 2015.

Jota was promoted to the senior team for the first time in March 2019, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 qualification matches against Ukraine and Serbia.

He was a member of the side that won the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals on home soil in June, but he did not appear.

In a 6–0 triumph against Lithuania in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on November 14, that year, he made his debut as an 84th-minute substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a 4–1 home win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on September 5, 2020, he scored his first international goal.

ST: Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro GOIH ComM (born 5 February 1985) captains the Portugal national team and plays as a forward for Serie A club

.

In July 2008, he became full captaincy of the national squad after scoring his first international goal at Euro 2004 and helping Portugal reach the final.

The Portuguese Football Federation elected Ronaldo the best Portuguese player of all time in 2015.

The next year, he led Portugal to their first major tournament victory, winning Euro 2016, and earning the Silver Boot as the tournament's second-highest goalscorer.

Ronaldo is a flexible attacker who can play on either wing or in the middle of the pitch, and while he is apparently right-footed, he is quite strong with both feet.

He is one of the fastest footballers in the world, both with and without the ball. Ronaldo's tactics have changed multiple times over his career.

He was often positioned as a traditional winger on the right side of midfield at Sporting and during his first season at Manchester United, when he routinely looked to provide crosses into the penalty box.

He will obviously be present in the

Portugal squad for Euro 2021.

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