UEFA has decided to increase squad sizes at the upcoming European Championships from 23 to 26 players, giving Gareth Southgate and other managers a boost for Euro 2024. The decision came following a meeting between Southgate and the 23 other managers involved in the tournament. Teams are not obligated to submit a 26-man squad, but the flexibility allows for more options, particularly with the increase in injuries among players.
This change follows the initial increase to 26-player squads for the Covid-delayed Euros in 2021. The decision aimed to provide teams with more players in case of individual self-isolation scenarios during the tournament. FIFA also maintained the 26-man squads for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to concerns about player welfare and the competition taking place during the club season. UEFA initially planned to revert to 23-player squads for the upcoming Euros, but pressure from managers led to a reversal of the decision.
Southgate had supported the push for bigger squads given the recent spate of injuries to key players during March friendlies. With the new squad size of 26, Southgate believes it will allow for better medical and selection decisions. The final squad deadline for England is set for June 7, after their warm-up friendly against Iceland. Southgate will announce a provisional squad on May 21, which provides players like Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish with an increased chance of making it to the final cut after difficult club seasons.
The decision is a significant development for England and other teams participating in the Euros. Squad depth and flexibility are crucial in a high-stakes tournament, especially with the unpredictability of injuries and unforeseen circumstances. This change also reflects the ongoing adjustments made to competition regulations to ensure the best possible conditions for players and teams. Players such as Jadon Sancho, who has excelled for clubs like Dortmund, will now have a better chance of earning a spot in their national team for the tournament.
As teams prepare for Euro 2024, the increase in squad sizes provides an opportunity for managers to strategize and adapt to changing circumstances. While the decision does not mandate teams to select 26 players, it offers them the flexibility to account for various scenarios, including injuries, suspensions, and tactical changes. With player welfare and performance at the forefront, UEFA’s move to expand the squad sizes aligns with the evolving landscape of international football and the need for greater squad depth in major tournaments.
