Portugal name 23 man Euros squad

Portugal manager Fernando Santos has named his 23-man squad for this summer’s European Championships in France.

The 2004 runners-up have named 18-year-old recent Bayern Munich recruit Renato Sanches in their squad despite the midfielder only making his international debut in March.

The former Benfica starlet is part of a midfield that will surely be amongst the best in the tournament. Sporting Lisbon’s expansive trio William Carvalho, Adrien Silva and Joao Mário join Sanches in the squad along with Danilo Pereira, Joao Moutinho and Andre Gomes.

‘Skipper Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the team’s attack this summer. The Real Madrid record-breaker is looking to create yet another piece of history in the upcoming tournament by becoming the first player to score in four consecutive European Championships.

His former Manchester United team mate Nani is part of the 23, along with Rafa Silva, Ricardo Queresma and Éder.

Portugal possess a lot of experience in defence with Real Madrid defender Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho named in an eight-man list of defenders, while Sporting Lisbon ‘keeper Rui Patrício expected to be the team’s first choice for the tournament.

Portugal have been drawn in group F and they will open their tournament account against competition debutants Iceland on June, 14 in Saint Étienne. ‘A Seleccao’ then travel to the French capital to play Austria four days later before ending their group crusade in Lyon against Hungary on June, 22.

Portugal Squad in Full:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patrício (Sporting CP), Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Eduardo (Dínamo Zagreb).

Defenders: Vieirinha (Wolfsburg), Cédric (Southampton), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Carvalho (Monaco), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahçe), José Fonte (Southampton), Eliseu (Benfica), Raphael Guerreiro (Lorient)

Midfielders: William Carvalho (Sporting CP), Danilo Pereira (Porto), João Moutinho (Monaco), Renato Sanches (Benfica), Adrien Silva (Sporting CP), André Gomes (Valencia), Joao Mário (Sporting CP).

Forwards: Rafa Silva (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas), Nani (Fenerbahçe), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Éder (Lille).