Euro 2016: Renato Sanches, Portugal’s teen sensation, is ‘ready to play’ and could start against Austria

Sanches became the youngest player, at 18 years and 301 days, to appear for his country in a major tournament. He took that distinction away from Cristiano Ronaldo, who made his first appearance as a 19 year old at Euro 2004.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, left, and Renato Sanches react at the end of the Euro 2016 Group F match against Iceland at the Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, France, Tuesday, June 14, 2016Show more

PARIS // Portugal’s Renato Sanches will become the youngest player to start for his country in a major tournament if he is selected to face Austria on Saturday.

Sanches was a second-half substitute in Portugal's opening Euro 2016 clash against Iceland and became the youngest player, at 18 years and 301 days, to appear for his country in a European Championship or World Cup.

He took that distinction away from Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who made his first major tournament appearance as a 19 year old at Euro 2004.

“Everything is going well and I’m very happy to be here,” Sanches told a news conference on Thursday.

“I know there are other midfielders that are more experienced and have been more years playing in the national team than me but I’m well and ready to play.”

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Portugal coach Fernando Santos said on Wednesday that he would make two or three changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Iceland for the game against Austria, who lost their opener 2-0 to Hungary.

“It’s the coach that has the final say,” Sanches said.

“But as the coach said, any of the 23 players in the team can start and I feel useful to the team. If given the opportunity, I will give my all.”

Portugal, who reached the semi-finals of Euro 2012 before losing to Spain on penalties, were pre-tournament favourites to finish top of Group F.

“After the (Iceland) game we were disappointed because our aim was to win but it hasn’t affected us,” Sanches said.

“We made mistakes and the coach already went through those with us. A game doesn’t change everything and we are now ready for our next match.”

Sanches will join Bayern Munich in the close season after the German club agreed to pay an initial 35 million euros ($39.18 million) to sign him from Benfica on a five-year deal.

“The transfer to Bayern has not changed me or my style of play,” Sanches said. “I’m the same person.”

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