Portugal vs Czech Republic Predicted XI: Should Cristiano Ronaldo start in first Euro 2024 match?

Portugal are all set to open their Euro 2024 campaign with the match against Czech Republic in their Group F fixture. 

As is always the case with Portugal, once again the talking point will be Cristiano Ronaldo potentially playing in his final major international tournament for La Selecao. Heading into the game against Czech Republic there is much debate on whether Cristiano Ronaldo should start for Portugal in major tournaments or not. 

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Should Cristiano Ronaldo start for Portugal at Euro 2024?

It was in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 when Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the starting lineup for the first time in years by Portugal. Ever since, Ronaldo has become an in and out feature for Portugal as he has started games and also been on the bench. 

However given his form in the Saudi Pro League and the way that new manager Roberto Martinez sets up his Portuguese side, Cristiano Ronaldo is highly likely and should be starting for Portugal in Euro 2024. There is case to be made for Goncalo Ramos ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo but it is pretty clear that Ronaldo will be starting the games for Portugal early on in the tournament. 

If Ronaldo's performances however are like the one in World Cup and Portugal are struggling to find the balance then maybe Cristiano Ronaldo will have to make way to the bench. As it stands, Ronaldo should be starting for Portugal. 

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Portugal vs Czech Republic Predicted XI

Here is the predicted XI for Portugal and Czech Republic for their first Euro 2024 game. 

Portugal predicted XI: Diogo Costa, Cancelo, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Palhinha, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva

Czech Republic predicted XI: Stanek, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Coufal, Soucek, Provod, Barak, Jurasek, Kuchta, Schick