“I’d love to see England beat Portugal in the final” - Rooney names Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal as team he wants to beat in Euro 2024

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has named Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal as the team he wants England to defeat in Euro 2024.

As per the tournament brackets, the only possible stage that the two teams could meet each other is in the final of the competition. Claiming that he would want both sides to qualify for the final and wishing that the Three Lions come out on top there, Rooney told The Overlap:

"Just because of my experiences, I would say Portugal (as the team I want England to beat the most). Broke me in 2004, I got sent off in 2006, and they beat us on penalties both times.

"I'd love to see England beat Portugal in the final (of Euro 2024)."

Ronaldo played in both those matches against Rooney and the former English striker has never beaten the Portuguese sensation in their three meetings in international football.

Before England and Portugal eventually meet in the final, they have several hurdles to cross, including the group stages. Gareth Southgate's team have gotten off to a winning start in the tournament, beating Serbia 1-0 on Sunday (June 16), albeit in unconvincing fashion.

They've got to play Denmark and Slovenia in their remaining two group matches. Meanwhile, Ronaldo and Co. are in a group with Turkey, Georgia, and the Czech Republic.

Roberto Martinez's team will kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday (June 18). They will be comfortably expected to get out of this group.

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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez says Cristiano Ronaldo is in Euro 2024 squad by merit

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves to be a part of his country's Euro 2024 squad ahead of their first match against the Czech Republic.

The former Everton boss believed the 39-year-old striker's performances have warranted his inclusion this summer. Speaking in a press conference, Martinez said (via ESPN):

"Cristiano is in the national team on merit. Nobody gets into the national team by just having a name. Cristiano scored 50 goals in 51 games, consistent with his club in his league, and he scored nine goals in our qualification rounds."

Ronaldo is certainly in good form this season after bagging 35 Saudi Pro League goals in 31 matches for Al-Nassr. To date, he's made 207 appearances across competitions for Portugal, bagging 130 goals.