Euro 2020: 5 teams with the best squad depth

Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann
Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann

#3 Belgium

Belgium v Greece - International Friendly
Belgium v Greece - International Friendly

Belgium could have used more strength and youth in their backline that currently consists mostly of veterans. Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Dedryck Boyata are all well past their primes. But everywhere else, they have incredible players and Roberto Martinez has plenty of options as well.

Timothy Castagne, Thomas Meunier, Nacer Chadli and Yannick Carrasco are their wing-back options. Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, Hans Vanaken, Leander Dendoncker and Dennis Praet make up their midfield.

In attack, Belgium have Romelu Lukaku leading the line. The Inter Milan striker has been in prime form. Christian Benteke and Michy Batshuayi are the alternatives. Martinez can choose from a list that includes Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard, Dries Mertens, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard to play supporting cast to Romelu Lukaku.

Thibaut Courtois is the first-choice goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet and Matz Sels are his deputies. It is evident that Belgium will be a bit reliant on Eden Hazard springing back into form as that would be the X-factor for them. But in 18-year-old winger Jeremy Doku, they have a secret weapon going into Euro 2020.

#2 Portugal

Portugal v Spain: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Portugal v Spain: Group B - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Portugal now have a side that's stronger than their Euro 2016 winning unit. Cristiano Ronaldo and Andre Silva are both coming off excellent individual seasons and are in great goalscoring form. Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota and Rafa Silva will give Fernando Santos a few selection dilemmas in attack.

Santos has Bruno Fernandes, who is in excellent , operating behind the attackers. Pedro Goncalves, who has been incredible for Sporting Lisbon this past term, is another notable option in attacking midfield.

Sergio Oliviera, Joao Palhinha, Goncalo Guedes, Danilo Pereira, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves and Renato Sanches make up what could be the most talented midfield pool at Euro 2020. Santos can play around with his combinations and with the number of all-action midfielders in that squad, Portugal could bring a lot of intensity to each and every game.

Pepe and Ruben Dias are expected to start at centre-back. Jose Fonte will be the second-choice centre-back. At right-back, Portugal have Joao Cancelo, who is coming off his best season yet. Nelson Semedo will be the backup option.

Raphael Guerreiro and Nuno Mendez will battle for a starting berth at left-back in this Portugal side that's filled to the brim with extremely talented players. Rui Patricio will be their man between the sticks. Lyon's Anthony Lopez and Granada's Rui Silva are the backup options.

Portugal have enough quality and depth to field entirely different starting XIs and still bring out their A-game every time they step out at Euro 2020.

#1 France

France v Wales - International Friendly
France v Wales - International Friendly

France were the strongest side in the FIFA World Cup 2018 and it was not surprising that they went on to become world champions. This time around, they have grown considerably stronger and it's evidenced by the number of high-profile stars who couldn't even make the cut, like Alexandre Lacazette, Dayot Upamecano and Ferland Mendy to name a few.

They have brought back Karim Benzema after a six-year absence. Wissam Ben Yedder, who had a great season for Monaco, and Olivier Giroud, who was France's striker in their World Cup-winning side, will be their backup options.

Kylian Mbappe is another sure-shot starter. There are worthy alternatives in Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram on the wings. N'Golo Kante, who has been in sublime form, is expected to start alongside Paul Pogba. Moussa Sissoko, Adrien Rabiot and Corentin Tolisso will be the backup options in central midfield.

Thomas Lemar will compete with Antoine Griezmann for the starting spot in attacking midfield. France also have one of the strongest backlines. Raphael Varane is expected to be paired alongside either Jules Kounde or Presnel Kimpembe at the heart of defence. Clement Lenglet and Kurt Zouma are the other options at centre-back.

Benjamin Pavard and Lyon's Leo Dubois are their options at right-back. Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Digne will compete to start at left-back. If you look at quality squad depth, it is difficult to beat France. They have some of the best players in the world in a lot of positions.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith
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