England stars given huge Euro 2024 boost as Uefa consider rule change after Southgate plea
ENGLAND’S fringe players have been handed a huge boost ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 competition.
The Three Lions could have their squad size increased from 23 to 26 for the major tournament.
It was expected that this summer’s Euros in Germany would see international sides reverting to the usual 23-man squad that is used for international competitions after 26-man squads were used at the last two major tournaments.
The squad size was increased to 26 during Euro 2020 following concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the busy schedule.
While the 2022 World Cup also adopted the increased squad sizes in Qatar.
The expectation was that the 23-man squad would return this summer, but Uefa have now explained they will consider changing the rules once again for Euro 2024.
A spokesperson for Uefa said: “A workshop with the participating teams will be held on April 8 and on that occasion Uefa will listen to the views of the coaches.
“Any idea in this respect will then be considered and assessed.”
A number of high-profile coaches have called for larger squads to be used in Germany including England boss Gareth Southgate who hinted he would like the option to pick from 26 players.
Southgate already called up 25 stars to represent the Three Lions for the latest International break and has pointed towards the number of drop-outs and injuries that occurred over the past two weeks as a reason for bigger squads.
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Speaking after England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, he said: “There is one more Uefa meeting where there’s been a little bit of talk amongst some of the coaches about possibly increasing that [squad size from 23 to 26].”
And when probed on if he would like to see the 26-man squads, he added: “Well, given where we are now!
“We’ve got to make the best decisions [regarding selection] with what we know and some of those currently are going to be medical decisions.
“We’ve been able to get those right in the previous tournaments. We’ve been able to give people time [to recover], but with 23 that’s definitely more difficult.”
Southgate had a number of his top players withdraw from the national side for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were forced to return to their clubs without playing a game, while Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire all picked up injuries during the two clashes.
News of an extended squad will mean players who are jostling for a place on the plane this summer may be buoyed by a higher chance of representing the nation in Germany.
The likes of Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are just a few of the names that are battling amongst each other to impress Southgate before the final squad is announced.
Southgate is set to name his provisional squad for Euro 2024 on May 21 and has to then confirm his final selection before midnight on June 7.