UEFA, the organizer of the European Championship, stated that it would consider the wishes of national team coaches regarding having bigger squads of 26 players instead of the usual 23 for the upcoming tournament in Germany.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman argued this week that due to the high number of injuries in modern soccer, sticking to the traditional squad size of 23 players is unreasonable.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UEFA allowed expanded squads of 26 players at Euro 2020, which took place in 2021, and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This flexibility ensured that replacements for isolated players were readily available and followed all required health protocols.
However, UEFA decided on 23-player squads for Euro 2024. In two weeks, it will convene coaches and officials from the 24 participating teams in Duesseldorf, Germany, for a workshop.
UEFA stated, “A workshop with the participating teams will be held on April 8 and on that occasion, UEFA will listen to the views of the coaches. Any idea in this respect will then be considered and assessed.”
Koeman hopes his national federation will request an increase in squad size from UEFA, emphasizing the increased challenges of managing player fitness in modern soccer. He mentioned that host team coach Julian Nagelsmann seems to share his viewpoint.
England coach Gareth Southgate mentioned that some coaches have discussed the possibility of having 26-player squads. However, Southgate doesn’t intend to push UEFA for an increase, although he acknowledges that having more players could reduce the risk of selecting injured players.
“We’ve been able to give people time,” said Southgate, who will lead England in his fourth major tournament as coach, “but with 23, that’s more difficult.”
It’s uncertain how many of the 24 coaches are in favor of having larger squads, which could include players who might not get much playing time during the tournament. Euro 2024 will take place from June 14 to July 14 in 10 cities across Germany.
