Cristiano Ronaldo's absence for England's friendly with Portugal as Real Madrid star suns himself in Ibiza
Roy Hodgson has bemoaned the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Wembley as he tries to prepare England for the threat of Gareth Bale.
Portugal face Hodgson’s men in their final warm-up game before their Euro 2016 campaign begins.
Hodgson hand-picked the Portuguese as opposition knowing Ronaldo would provide his players with a realistic imitation of what it might be like to face Wales superstar Bale in England’s second game on June 16.However, the Real Madrid attacker has been ruled out of the Wembley clash due to his exertions in last Saturday’s Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
And despite the obvious threat the three-time Ballon d’Or winner poses, Hodgson believes Ronaldo’s absence comes as a blow to his team.
‘One of the things we thought about with Portugal is the fact that Ronaldo is a very special player, a very special talent and an unbelievably influential figure for all the clubs he has played for including Portugal,’ said Hodgson‘We were thinking Gareth Bale plays in a similar position. When we picked Portugal we were not only thinking about their technical qualities and the fact they are a very good football team and the fact they have a special individual.
‘I believe that he might not be coming now, but we are happy with the two opponents we have had so far.
‘They have put us to the test and I have used quite a few players. I expect another tough test. If we can get through that test and come away satisfied then I would have said the three preparation games have served their purpose.’
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