Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate gets good news as UEFA announces squad size will be expanded to 26 players.

UEFA has made a significant change to the squad size for this year’s European Championship, increasing it from 23 to 26 players. The decision was approved by the national competitions committee, following a vote in favor of the expansion last month.

While participating countries are not obligated to take advantage of the increase, they must submit squads containing a minimum of 23 players and a maximum of 26 by June 7. This is not the first time that 26-player squads have been allowed at the tournament. The expansion was initially introduced for Euro 2020 due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Similarly, teams were also permitted to have 26 players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as it took place during the domestic season.

England manager Gareth Southgate was one of the advocates for an expanded squad size for Euro 2024. This request came after several key players suffered injuries during friendly matches in March. Southgate expressed his support for the push for bigger squads, acknowledging the challenges faced with a smaller squad size.

The Euro 2024 tournament is set to kick off on June 14, with Scotland facing hosts Germany in the opening match. England will begin their campaign on June 16 against Serbia. Southgate is expected to announce his squad on May 21, just two days after the conclusion of the current Premier League season.