Bruno Fernandes ready for challenge of Euro 2020’s toughest group

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As defending champions Portugal could not have asked for a tougher draw at Euro 2020.

The Euro 2016 winnners are drawn in a group with the previous tournament’s beaten finalists France, a Germany side determined to prove themselves, and Hungary, who have home advantage for all three of their matches.

It is a great stage for Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes to prove his quality, and he is not showing any concern about being in the tournament’s toughest group.

Speaking to Portuguese outlet Sapo Desporto, Fernandes said: “At the last Euros we had a group considered less strong and it was difficult to pass.

“All teams are difficult in a European. It’s difficult to get there, so being there they are all good. The most important thing is that we want it.”

Impact player

Fernandes was speaking after Portugal’s 4-0 friendly win over Israel this week.

He provided one assist and scored two goals, warming up in perfect fashion ahead of the tournament.

The United midfielder added that it was a positive to have more time preparing with Portugal in practise, as opposed to the frenetic schedule of mid-season friendly and qualifier matches.

Fernandes said: “The most important thing is to continue to gain routines. As we know it was a different year, the times we were here it was practically just to play. Three games in seven days it was difficult to train.”

He believes Portugal are beginning to click and their performance against Israel highlighted this.

Euro 2020 will provide far sterner tests. Portugal’s first game is away to Hungary next Tuesday and then they get tougher, against Germany in Munich and then against France on neutral turf.

The good news for Fernandes is that three teams can qualify from a group, but not all groups. The points gained by the third placed teams will determine who reached the last 16.

If his Portugal side are unsuccessful and the unfortunate team to crash out, it will be disappointing for Fernandes, but from United’s perspective, we will at least get him back a little quicker.

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