Euros: Portugal news, fixtures, manager, key players, Euros record

James Wilson Updated: 09 Jun 24 15:10

Eight years on from their famous Euro 2016 triumph in France, Roberto Martinez's Portugal look well equipped to challenge for the trophy again in Germany this summer.

Portugal blitzed their way through Euros Qualifying with a 100% percent win record under ex-Belgium boss Martinez, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Co have been drawn in a favourable group for this summer's tournament alongside Turkey, Czech Republic and Georgia.

Although 39-year-old national icon Ronaldo is no longer the all-conquering goalscoring machine he once was at the top level, this Portugal squad is comprised of a plethora of other world class talents.

In what looks likely to be Ronaldo's final major tournament outing for his country, this Portugal team undoubtedly has the quality to go far in Germany should manager Martinez find the right balance in personnel on the field.

Portugal Euro 2024 fixtures

Portugal v Czechia - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, 18th June, 20:00 GMT.
Turkey v Portugal - Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, 22nd June, 17:00 GMT.
Georgia v Portugal - Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen, 26th June, 20:00 GMT.

Portugal Euro 2024 squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves), Rui Patricio (Roma).

Defenders: Antonio Silva (Benfica), Danilo Pereira (Paris Saint-Germain), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona), Nelson Semedo (Wolves), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Pepe (Porto), Ruben Dias (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Joao Neves (Benfica), Joao Palhinha (Fulham), Otavio Monteiro (Al Nassr), Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool), Francisco Conceicao (Porto), Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain), Joao Felix (Barcelona), Pedro Neto (Wolves), Rafael Leao (AC Milan).

Portugal manager

Roberto Martinez

Forging his coaching reputation in English football with Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Everton, Roberto Martinez moved to the international scene when appointed Belgium manager in August 2016.

The 50-year-old Spaniard led a talented Belgium squad to a best-ever third place finish at the 2018 World Cup, losing narrowly 1-0 to France in the semi-finals.

Martinez was unable to Belgium's 'Golden Generation' to an elusive first major title, however, bowing out as manager following disappointing showings at Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022 - eliminated in the quarter-finals by Italy in the former and exiting at the group stage in the latter.

A possession-oriented manager, Martinez has won all 10 of Portugal's competitive matches since taking charge of the country's national team in January 2023 and will be striving to win a first international honour at the Euros this summer.

Portugal captain

Cristiano Ronaldo

The most capped player and highest goalscorer in the history of the Portugal national team - scoring a staggering 128 goals in 206 appearances - 39-year-old football legend Cristiano Ronaldo means captain of his country.

Although still showcasing his ability to score goals in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr - hitting the net 35 times in 31 league appearances this season - the extent to which Ronaldo will still be able to cut it at the elite level at the Euros is questionable.

The ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United forward's gametime may therefore be managed carefully by Roberto Martinez at the Euros this summer, with Ronaldo not necessarily guaranteed to make up Portugal's strongest starting XI in every match.

Portugal key players

Bernardo Silva

A key cog in the Manchester City winning machine assembled by Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished midfielders in world football.

A slight and diminutive figure, Bernardo Silva has both the football brain to dictate the tempo of matches and the technical prowess to score and create goals in pivotal moments.

Now at the peak of his powers aged 29, the Man City playmaker will be eager to showcase his talents on one of football's biggest stages at the Euros in Germany.

Ruben Dias

Another member of Man City's Treble-winning side from the 2022/23 season, Ruben Dias has developed into one of the Premier League's top defenders since arriving at the Etihad from Benfica in 2020.

A centre-back who is both physically formidable and uber-composed with the ball at his feet, Dias also boasts natural leadership skills which will be an asset for Portugal at this summer's Euros.

Defensive solidity often underpins successful showings at major international tournaments, and in Ruben Dias Portugal will be protected by one of the best defenders in the business in Germany.

Bruno Fernandes

On the other half of the Manchester divide, Bruno Fernandes continues to represent a crucial player for Roberto Martinez's Portugal.

Despite Manchester United's perpetual struggles to return to the top of English football, Fernandes remains one of their most consistent performers and took on the captaincy at Old Trafford last summer.

Enjoying an outstanding Euros Qualifying campaign - scoring six goals and registering four assists in 10 matches - Fernandes will go to Germany this summer as one of Portugal's main men.

Portugal one to watch

Antonio Silva

Capped nine times by his country, Benfica prospect Antonio Silva will be hoping to get the nod to play alongside Ruben Dias at the heart of Portugal's defence at the Euros.

The latest in a long line of highly-rated youngsters to emerge from Benfica's academy, Silva's performances have already reportedly alerted the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs.

A modern ball-playing centre-back, Benfica may struggle to retain Silva's services ahead of next season should he enjoy a standout Euros tournament.

Portugal All-time Euros record

Year	Performance
1960	Did Not Qualify
1964	Did Not Qualify
1968	Did Not Qualify
1972	Did Not Qualify
1976	Did Not Qualify
1980	Did Not Qualify
1984	Semi-finals
1988	Did Not Qualify
1992	Did Not Qualify
1996	Quarter-finals
2000	Semi-finals
2004	Runners-up
2008	Quarter-finals
2012	Semi-finals
2016	Champions
2020	Round of 16

Portugal's Euro 2024 prospects

Given the strength of Portugal's squad at present, with a number of players plying their trade at Europe's biggest clubs, it makes sense for Roberto Martinez's side to be considered one of the favourites for the Euros this summer.

A favourable group stage draw should see Portugal safely navigate through to the knockout rounds, with the semi-finals a realistic minimum goal for the Euro 2016 winners in Germany.