The European football governing body recently announced an increase in the maximum squad size for teams participating in the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 from 23 to 26 players. This change is not mandatory for participating national associations, but teams must provide UEFA with a list of a minimum of 23 players and a maximum of 26 by the deadline of 7 June, in compliance with the competition regulations. Initially, squads were increased to 26 players for the Covid-delayed European Championships in 2021 to ensure teams had enough players on matchday in case of individuals being required to self-isolate.

Although UEFA intended to return to squads of 23 for this summer’s Euros, after pressure from managers, they decided to reverse their decision. In light of a series of injuries to key players during their March friendlies, England boss Southgate was asked if he supported the push for bigger squads. Southgate acknowledged the challenges of selecting a squad of 23 given the current circumstances, emphasizing the difficulty of making medical decisions and providing adequate recovery time for injured players.

The decision to increase the maximum squad size to 26 players has sparked a debate within the football community. If you want to stay updated on related discussions and news, consider joining our new WhatsApp community. By joining, you will receive daily Mirror Football content, special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners.

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