Mar 18, 2016
Benfica starlet Sanches gets first Portugal call-up
Benfica teenager Renato Sanches has earned his first call-up for Portugal for a pair of friendlies against Bulgaria and Belgium. The uncapped 18-year-old Sanches was widely expected to make the squad alongside Cristiano Ronaldo after a standout season, his first in the top flight.
The Canadian Press
LISBON, Portugal - Benfica teenager Renato Sanches has earned his first call-up for Portugal for a pair of friendlies against Bulgaria and Belgium.
The uncapped 18-year-old Sanches was widely expected to make the squad alongside Cristiano Ronaldo after a standout season, his first in the top flight. Sanches has helped Benfica take the lead in the Portuguese league and reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Ricardo Carvalho, Danny, Ricardo Quaresma and Eder returned to the squad for the European Championship warm-up matches. Joao Moutinho and Andre Andre will miss the games because of injury.
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Portugal:
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon), Eduardo (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Lopes (Lyon)
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Cedric (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Southampton), Eliseu (Benfica), Pepe (Real Madrid), Raphael Guerreiro (Lorient), Ricardo Carvalho (Monaco), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg)
Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (Sporting Lisbon), William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon), Andre Gomes (Valencia), Bernardo Silva (Monaco), Danilo Pereira (FC Porto), Renato Sanches (Benfica)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Danny (Zenit St. Petersburg), Eder (Lille), Nani (Fenerbahce), Rafa (Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas)