Defending champions Portugal have built up a stronger squad at the start of Euro 2020 than what they had when they lifted that coveted trophy 4 years ago. With coach Fernando Santos’ ability and the chemistry of his first-choice XI, Portugal are one of the contenders to go all the way in the tournament.

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Santos has, at his disposal, a host of elite options on the attacking front. Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes are all match winners in their own right. 

Despite having so much talent on the attacking front and the team having shown signs of expansive football recently, Santos is unlikely to go full throttle in the Euros. With the Selecao in Euro 2020’s Group of Death, sitting deep and taking a few chances they get, maybe the go-to strategy of a traditionally conservative coach.

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When Portugal have shed their shackles and gone expansive in recent games, they have shown glimpses of their attacking prowess. The Selecao notched up impressive home wins against Croatia (4-1) and Sweden (3-0) recently. Portugal have the weapons to hurt any team but their real problem is at the back . An aging Pepe ,38, remains crucial to the defence and his replacement is 37-year-old Jose Fonte. 

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The Selencao’s chances to repeat their 2016 triumph will revolve around Pepe staying fit throughout the tournament. If that doesn’t happen, Santos will need to find a solid partner for Manchester City’s Ruben Dias in central defence. This edition is likely to be the last we see of Ronaldo in Euros. And with that in mind, Portugal will want to give the legend a triumphant bow.