PORTUGAL

Cristiano Ronaldo will predictably dominate the headlines, but there is a promising crop of young players emerging alongside him. The eyes of the world will be fixed upon the immensely talented Renato Sanches, having recently signed for Bayern Munich for an eye-watering initial fee of €35 million. Keen followers of football on these shores will recognise right-back Cedric and Jose Fonte, who have both secured spots in the squad on the back of a consistent season with Southampton. There is a surprise return for former Chelsea veteran Ricardo Carvalho too, gaving been overlooked for the previous two tournaments. The big question mark will be whether they can get enough support for 56 international goals man Ronaldo. Alongside the Real Madrid superstar is likely to be one of Swansea’s most notorious transfer flops, Eder. Manager: Fernando Santos Portugal’s qualification was wilting under Paolo Bento, but the richly experienced Santos has stabilised the team and instilled a real steel. Winning five major titles as manager of Porto, he is one of the most famous and respected managers the national has produced. A calming presence. Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo An icon in his homeland, no one has scored more goals for the national team. It has not been his best domestic season but he remains by far and away the best player on show at the tournament. Can Ronaldo ( pictured) finally land a major international honour? Star to Watch: William Carvalho It is not so long ago that the tireless defensive midfielder was the next bright young thing of European football. His star has faded a little since then but he is a resilient player who is still probably only a good tournament away from a move to a major powerhouse. Kit Verdict A fairly horrendous effort from Nike, with strange patching and a bizarre mix of red and maroon colours all over. Can’t see many putting this one on their shopping list. How they got there Ended up very comfortable winners of Group I, finishing seven points ahead of Albania in second. What the bookies say A kind group draw and the genius of their star attacker means most bookies are backing them to make the quarter-finals at the very least, You can get them for the outright win anywhere from 14 - 22/1. Prediction They have the best player in the tournament but Ronaldo really will have to be on top form.