Defenders:
The Portuguese manager, Fernando Santos in most probability will field a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-2 formation which means that the ‘Men in Maroon and Green’ will have to include a couple of central defenders and a couple of full-backs in their first XI, at all times. Real Madrid centre-back, Pepe is one of the stars of the Portuguese national side and is certain to start for them. Love him or hate him, but one certainly cannot deny the fact that Pepe is a top quality centre-back who has the potential to lead his fellow defending comrades.
Former Real Madrid centre-back who now plays Monaco, Ricardo Carvalho should start alongside Pepe if everything goes right. Having made his international debut back in 2003, Ricardo Carvalho has not only earned 85 for Portugal but is the heart of Portuguese defense alongside Pepe.
The VfL Wolfsburg full-back, Vieirinha is most likely to resume his defensive duties for Portugal on the right flank later this summer. The 30-year-old Portuguese has an impressive track record at the German club for whom he signed in 2012. Having made his debut for his country back in 2013, Vieirinha has already notched up 21 international caps for Portugal.
Having made his international debut in 2014, Raphael Guerreiro has represented Portugal both in U-21 and Senior level. The 22-year-old left-back has already racked up 10 goals for Lorient in the 102 league appearances that he has made for the French side. Raphael Guerreiro has also sported the Portuguese jersey on six occasions earlier, out of which he had scored in two.
