Santos hails Selecao depth – Betfred Blog - (2021)

Portugal boss Fernando Santos has hailed the depth of his side as they prepare to begin their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on Friday against Ukraine.

The Selecao are the defending champions following their shock 2016 success in France and will be boosted by the return of talisman Cristiano Ronaldo for the game in Lisbon.

Ronaldo chose to skip the Nations League in order to help him acclimatise at new club Juventus but is back and will lead the charge against the Yellow-Blue.

Portugal came through a tricky Nations League pool against Poland and Italy and are 2/1 with Betfred to win June’s Finals on home soil.

A repeat European Championship triumph is 14/1 and Santos is clearly pleased with those available to him.

The 64-year-old is known for his pragmatic tactics but has not been afraid to rotate at times and has built depth since that success in France.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s fixture, which his team are 2/5 to win, with the draw 7/2 and Ukraine 8/1, Santos has warned their rivals that his side will again be a threat next summer.

“Portugal always have players of great quality,” he said. “We are champions of Europe with an extraordinary group of players.

“To say that this is the strongest group is clearly exaggerated. It is a group of enormous quality and in addition to this we have 10 or 15 players that can enter.”

Odds subject to change.