UEFA is contemplating the expansion of team rosters to 26 members for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, a decision emerging from recent discussions with team coaches.
The conversations took place in Dusseldorf on Monday with coaches of the teams that have secured their spots in Euro 2024.
European football’s governing body issued a statement acknowledging the diverse opinions and perspectives presented during the discussion. UEFA announced that a definitive ruling on this matter is expected in the upcoming weeks.
This topic was part of a broader two-day meeting for the teams that have made it to the finals and will next be reviewed by UEFA’s national team competitions committee and then by its executive committee.
Traditionally, team squads have been capped at 23 players, a standard that was temporarily adjusted for Euro 2020 to allow up to three additional players as a precaution against potential Covid-19 cases within teams.
UEFA’s announcement also reflected on the varied views among coaches regarding squad size. Some advocated for a larger squad citing the benefits, while others preferred to stick with the 23-player limit due to the complexities of managing a larger group, including training challenges and the financial impact on national associations.
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, who had previously supported the idea of 23-man squads, has shifted his stance, now favoring the inclusion of three extra players. This change is in response to the congested schedule at the end of the domestic season and the challenge of integrating players returning from injuries.
The schedule leading up to Euro 2024 includes several key dates such as the Premier League’s last match day on May 19, Southgate’s announcement of the provisional England squad on May 21, and the finals of the Europa League, FA Cup, and Champions League spanning from May 22 to June 1.
Following these events, England has scheduled friendlies on June 3 and June 7, ahead of the final squad submission deadline for the Euros on late June 7. Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14, with England set to play against Serbia on June 16.