UEFA has given the green light for nations to name expanded squads of 26 players for this summer’s rearranged European Championship, according to reports.
Having postponed the tournament last year, changes to the original competition continue as Euro 2020 goes ahead amid the coronavirus-shaped backdrop.
UEFA’s executive committee last month confirmed teams will be able to make five substitutions per game at the tournament to help balance player workload at the end of an intense season.
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With such issues in mind, squads at the Euros are now set to be increased from 23 players to a group of 26.
The Times reports that UEFA’s national teams committee recommended the expansion, which is expected to be rubberstamped by the executive committee of European football’s governing body.
England manager Gareth Southgate looks to be among those that would benefit most from the changes given the number of talented players he has at his disposal.
But the Three Lions boss was not keen on the expanded squads being introduced when asked about it during the March internationals, even though he is expected to now utilise the full complement of 26 players.
“I know there’s some discussion about perhaps an extended number in the squad,” Southgate said. “I’m not certain I’m behind that.
“I know Covid could play a part but I think there’s a skill to picking 23.
“It means you’ve got to make good decisions and important decisions and I think some of that can be lost as you get an extended group.
“So, yeah, let’s see how that develops but I’m not 100 percent for it, I’d have to say.”
Southgate will name his squad for the Euros in the week beginning May 24, while Wales and Scotland have yet to indicate when they will make their selections.
James Maddison, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Patrick Bamford are just some of the players who could benefit from the ruling.
They have been on the fringes of Southgate’s England plans recently, despite their obvious talents.
Alexander-Arnold’s omission at right-back caused the biggest frenzy in the recent internationals. Southgate has plenty of options in his position and may use one of the extra spaces to take the Liverpool man.
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