Renato Sanches axed from Portugal squad for World Cup

His performances at the European Championships in 2016 steered Portugal to victory and earnt him the title of Young Player of the Tournament.

However, Sanches won't feature in this summer's World Cup after failing to make national team head coach Fernando Santos' 35-man list.

His absence is likely the result of failing to make an impact whilst on loan at Swansea City from Bayern Munich, after making a big-money move to the Bundesliga champions following the Euros.

Nonetheless, there was a place for verteran playmaker Ricardo Quaresma, who has enjoyed an impressive season at Besiktas, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo with the duo bringing much-needed experience. 

Here is the full list of players, which will be cut down to 23 in the coming days:

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui PatrIcio (Sporting)

Defenders: Antunes (Getafe), Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Joao Cancelo (Inter), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Luis Neto (Fenerbahce), Mario Rui (Napoles), Nelson Semedo (Barcelona), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Rolando (Marselha), Ruben Dias (Benfica)

Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), Andre Gomes (Barcelona), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting), Joao Mario (West Ham), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Sergio Oliveira (Porto), William Carvalho (Sporting)

Forwards: Andre Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Eder (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Nani (Lazio), Paulinho (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas), Ronny Lopes (Monaco)

 

May 14, 2018