UEFA has made major changes ahead of Euro 2024 after managerial input. Good news for Gareth Southgate and other national team managers! UEFA has announced that the maximum squad size for the upcoming Euro 2024 has been increased from 23 players to 26. This decision comes after discussions with managers, including Southgate himself.
Three More Players for More Options
The previous Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup allowed teams to select 26-player squads due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. UEFA has opted to maintain this larger squad size, giving managers more flexibility when picking their teams. This expansion allows for the selection of fringe players who might impress in the coming weeks and provides a buffer in case of injuries during the tournament.
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Southgate and Koeman Welcome the Change
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, reportedly discussed the possibility of a larger squad size with UEFA, while his Dutch counterpart, Ronald Koeman, expressed his belief that it would help teams manage potential injuries.
How it will affect Euro 2024?
The deadline for submitting squads to UEFA is June 7th. While teams still have the option to select only 23 players, it’s unlikely any manager will choose to do so. This opens the door for surprise selections, with players like Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze or Ajax’s Jordan Henderson potentially finding themselves in contention for a spot in the England squad.
Euro 2024 on the Horizon
With the domestic seasons across Europe coming to a close, all eyes turn towards the Euros. The tournament kicks off on June 14th, with Germany taking on Scotland in the opening match.
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