Euro 2020: Bruno Fernandes criticised for his lacklustre performances against Germany

Graeme Souness and Lee Dixon criticised Bruno Fernandes for his lacklustre performances against Germany in Euro 2020.

Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo -Portugal
Bruno Fernandes and Joao Cancelo -Portugal | Photo Credit: IMAGO

The Manchester United star hardly made his presence felt as Germany thrashed Portugal 4-2.

Portugal succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Germany in a blockbuster Group F clash of Euro 2020, and Bruno Fernandes has received a lot of stick for his lacklustre display.

The Manchester United midfielder hardly made his presence felt, and he was taken off the field in the 64th minute.

Perhaps, it was the second straight game where the former Sporting CP star failed to make any valuable contribution to the Portuguese side. At the same time, Rafa Silva, who was not even Fernando Santos’ first-choice, did offer much despite less playing time.

Bruno Fernandes’ dull display has had former English footballer Lee Dixon take a swipe at him.

While commentating for ITV, Dixon said: “Someone needs to tell Fernandes he’s 3-1 down. He is just strolling on the ball. He had a chance then to run into space and commit a few players ahead of him. No energy in his run at all.”

Graeme Souness, former Scotland Liverpool legend, also blasted Fernandes for whining at his teammates.

Souness said: “He[Fernandes] would not have lasted more than five minutes in my dressing room, but he is a wonderful, talented boy.

It would be more along the lines of who do you think you are? We play as a team; we win together, we lose together.

Sometimes you will make a bad pass, and sometimes you will not see the whole picture.

So all that nonsense, shaking your head and waving your arms at your own teammates, is a no-no for me.”

The pressure is mounting on Fernandes to step up for Portugal, who will face tough-looking France in their final group stage. A win alone can secure them a place in the top two.