Euro 2020 draw: Portugal the underdog against France and Germany, says Santos

Portugal might be the reigning European champion but Fernando Santos thinks its Group F rival is the teams to fear at Euro 2020.

Fernando Santos: "It will be a strong group, two favourites and a candidate."

Fernando Santos has claimed defending champion Portugal is outsider in a Euro 2020 group containing "two favourites" in France and Germany.

The three heavyweights were drawn together in a tough-looking Group F for next year's tournament, with a play-off contestant still to be added. France and Germany will enter as winners of the past two World Cups, while Portugal is preparing to defend the trophy it unexpectedly won in 2016.

'Strong group'

Santos' side was also crowned inaugural Nations League champion in June but the wily 65-year-old coach quickly positioned his team as underdog. "It will be a strong group, two favourites and a candidate," Santos told reporters.

The #EURO2020 groups have been drawn!

Which matches are you excited for? pic.twitter.com/CU7SvtNAXq

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) November 30, 2019

 

"[France and Germany] have a responsibility to win and they have to assume that responsibility. We will believe in our possibilities. We come as candidates and obviously we want to win. Two world champions, a European champion and winner of the Nations League — I think this is a group that nobody wanted because each team wanted to avoid the other two.

"Everyone will respect each other and just wait to see who will be the fourth."

Portugal finished second behind Ukraine in its qualifying group, losing once and drawing twice in eight games.