UEFA approves 26-man rosters for Euro 2024

By Martin Graham | 23rd Apr 2024

In a move reflecting the lingering shadow of Covid-19, UEFA has given the nod to 26-man squads for the upcoming European Championship in Germany. Originally slated to revert back to 23-man squads post-Euro 2020, this decision was ushered in by the European governing body’s national competitions committee, awaiting final confirmation from the executive committee.

Coaches rally behind expanded rosters

Amidst a chorus of concerns from international coaches, the notion of maintaining 26-man squads gained momentum during a recent Euro 2024 coaches summit. Ronald Koeman, at the helm of the Netherlands national team, minced no words in condemning UEFA’s initial proposal to shrink squad sizes, branding it “absurd”. Gareth Southgate, England’s tactician, previously a proponent of leaner rosters, has had a change of heart amidst a Premier League plagued by injuries.

Squad announcements and tournament dynamics

With UEFA’s decision paving the way, Gareth Southgate is set to unveil his preliminary 26-man Euro 2024 squad on 21 May, just after the Premier League season finale. The deadline for finalizing squads looms on 7 June, marking the countdown to a thrilling Euro 2024 campaign. England is slated to take on Serbia in their opener on 16 June, while Scotland braces for a showdown against hosts Germany on 14 June. As the stage is set for continental glory, both teams gear up to leverage their expanded rosters in pursuit of footballing immortality.