How are Ronaldo and other Saudi Pro League stars shaping up for Euros?
More strength in depth is now apparent after influx of overseas talent but league’s competitiveness is hard to assess
England kick off Euro 2024 against Serbia on 16 June and if Jordan Henderson is called up then the former Al-Ettifaq midfielder should be able to give Gareth Southgate an idea of the kind of form that Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are in. They are two of a growing number of European internationals who will be acting as unofficial ambassadors for the Saudi Pro League (SPL) this summer – especially if they underperform.
The two Serbs have played a major part in Al-Hilal becoming champions of the SPL for a 19th time. The deal was sealed on Saturday but it was all a bit of a stroll. Rúben Neves, another standout, will also head to Germany with a league winner’s medal in his suitcase ready to show fellow Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo.
