MX23RW : Wednesday, June 16 10:04:49| >> :60:3168:3168:
Jun 9, 2021 at 7.45pm UK
PortugalPortugal
4-0
IsraelIsrael
Fernandes (42', 90+1'), Ronaldo (44'), Cancelo (86')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Dgani (53')

How Portugal could line up against Israel

How Portugal could line up against Israel
© Reuters
Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Portugal could line up for Wednesday's International Friendly with Israel.

After a lifeless showing in their first post-season friendly last week, Portugal will wrap up preparations for the defence of their European title by hosting Israel on Wednesday.

Several Selecao hopefuls now have a final 90 minutes to impress coach Fernando Santos, before flying to Budapest on Thursday for their meeting with Euro 2020 group-stage rivals Hungary on June 15.

Among some fresh faces to come into the side at Estadio Jose Alvalade, the Manchester-based quartet of Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes should add impetus, having been excused from featuring in the goalless draw with Spain due to previous club commitments.

Fortunately, the whole squad and support staff were found to be negative for COVID-19 after coming into close contact with Spain's Sergio Busquets - who subsequently tested positive for the virus - during last Friday's friendly, while fellow victim Goncalo Guedes recently cleared return-to-play protocols and is available for selection.

Given such a deep and diversely talented squad, Euro 2016-winning coach Santos was able to offer a senior debut to Primeira Liga top scorer Pedro Goncalves against Portugal's Iberian rivals, as he took the place of Joao Felix at half time. The Sporting starlet could now join teenage clubmate Nuno Mendes - a target for Europe's top clubs this summer - in the XI to meet Israel, after the 18-year-old left-back also featured last time out.

There has, meanwhile, been speculation that star striker Cristiano Ronaldo could start on the bench - though he would undoubtedly love the chance to lead the team out onto the Alvalade turf where he first made his name - as Portugal's veteran captain and all-time leading scorer may prefer to preserve energy for more important games to come.

Should his coach be brave enough to make such a call, Eintracht Frankfurt sharpshooter Andre Silva - who netted more Bundesliga goals than Erling Haaland last season - would most likely be offered the rare chance to deputise up front.

Portugal possible starting lineup:
Silva; Cancelo, Fonte, Dias, Mendes; Moutinho, Danilo; Fernandes, Goncalves, Jota; A. Silva

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Israel
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