England boss Gareth Southgate attended the UEFA headquarters meeting with other national team coaches to discuss squad sizes for the upcoming tournament. While there was an expectation to return to a 23-player squad, some coaches favored having three extra players. Both France and Germany advocated for a 23-player squad, and Southgate did not strongly push for additional players, stating he would accept whatever decision was made.

UEFA will need to approve any decision at their next ExCo meeting on May 22, but it is anticipated that a decision will be made before then. The next national teams committee meeting is scheduled for April 22. UEFA specified that EURO 2024 squads are currently limited to 23 players, reverting to the regulations used before EURO 2020, which had allowed 26 players due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UEFA’s statement highlighted the differing perspectives among coaches, with some favoring a larger squad for increased choice, the risk of injuries, and the physical demands on players. On the other hand, some coaches preferred a squad size of 23, citing challenges related to training with additional players, group management, and the financial burdens on national associations.