Euro 2024: Portugal coach Martinez told to bench Cristiano Ronaldo

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson has urged Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to bench captain Cristiano Ronaldo in their first two games at the Euro 2024.

Merson wants Martinez to take the difficult decision by securing qualification to the knockout stages before playing the Al-Nassr forward in their final group game.

The Euro 2024 will commence this Friday in Germany.

Portugal are in Group F alongside Turkey, Czech Republic and Georgia.

Speaking about Portugal’s chances of winning the tournament, Merson told Sportskeeda: “Portugal are an aging team but they have a lot of experience within the squad.

“Ronaldo is still their captain and banging in the goals in Saudi Arabia, but I think they will see what he is like in the camp and take a call on his selection.

“I would personally leave him out of the first two games and get qualification sorted before bringing him back for the final encounter.”