Euro 2024: Why Portugal’s Amazing Squad Depth Makes The Selecao Favourites to Win Tournament

• Portugal has been touted as one of the favourites to win the upcoming Euro 2024, which kicks off on Friday, June 14
• Roberto Martinez has assembled a potent squad which is rich in depth in all areas of the pitch, from defence to attack
• Portugal defied the odds in 2016 to beat France in the final as they secured a first European Championship title ever

An in-depth look at the Portugal squad should paint a worrying picture for opponents ahead of Euro 2024's kick-off.

Cristiano Ronaldo hopes to help his nation secure another Euro title eight years after an unprecedented win in 2016.

While the Seleção will face stiff competition from other heavyweights, including England, France, Germany, and Spain, it would be a mistake to rule out Roberto Martinez’s side, especially considering the immense depth of talented players who made the final squad.

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Portugal’s squad depth is incredible

Portugal’s squad is a mix of promising young talent, players in their prime and veteran superstars like Ronaldo, according to UEFA.com.

This will be the Al-Nassr star's sixth appearance at the Euros, coming 20 years after his debut in 2004 when Portugal lost 1-0 to eventual winners, Greece.

Unlike past editions when Ronaldo had to ‘carry’ the team by himself, things will be different this year, since he has backup in all areas of the pitch.

Portugal has options in every area of the pitch at Euro 2024

Goalkeeper

Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Rui Patricio (AS Roma)

Right-back

Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Central defence

Pepe (FC Porto), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting CP), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Antonio Silva (Benfica)

Left-Back

Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)

Defensive midfield

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Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain)

Attacking midfield

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards

Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Portugal’s possible starting line-up

Unlike many of the squads of the teams in the Euro 2024, Portugal hardly has any player who can be considered ‘second choice’, a dynamic that will make it difficult for Roberto Martinez to pick a consistent starting XI.

Here is a possible starting lineup which the former Everton boss could go for:

Goalkeeper: Rui Costa

Defence: Cancelo, Dias, Ignacio, Dalot

Midfield: Palhinha, Vitinha, Fernandes

Front three: Leao, Ronaldo, Silva.

What next for Portugal?

Portugal is in Group F alongside Turkey, Georgia, and the Czech Republic.

After their friendly against Ireland on Tuesday, June 11, they will kick off their Euros campaign with a game against Czechia next Tuesday, June 18.

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Sports Brief also previously reported on Tom Heaton’s addition to England's camp ahead of the Euros, kicking off in Germany on Friday.

The 38-year-old, who has earned three senior caps, has been summoned by Gareth Southgate as the training keeper for the tournament.

Heaton is set to train alongside Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and Dean Henderson, who will all represent England at the Euros.