England handed Euro 2024 boost as Uefa confirms rule change over squad size

England have been handed a boost for Euro 2024 after Uefa confirmed teams will be permitted to select up to 26 players in their squads.

Gareth Southgate’s options have now increased for the tournament in Germany.

The Uefa Executive Committee confirmed on Friday that the maximum squad size of the teams participating has now changed from the original quota of 23 to 26 players.

Southgate is due to announce his squad on 8 June, after two friendlies against Bosnia and Iceland following the domestic season. The Uefa deadline to submit squad lists is 7 June.

Despite the option, Southgate is not obligated to increase his squad size and could choose to cap his squad at the original limit of 23 players.

The governing body held discussions with representatives from the nations who have qualified for Euro 2024 last month in Dusseldorf.

National team squads for the tournament were limited to 23 players, as the governing body went back to the regulations in place prior to the postponed Euro 2020, when three extra players were permitted in squads because of the potential for Covid outbreaks.

But the move comes after an increase in discussion surrounding player workload and concern over the last couple of years since the 2022 World Cup was moved until the middle of the season.

A lot of Premier League clubs have been dealing with extensive injury crises this season.

Euro 2024 starts on 14 June when hosts Germany take on Scotland in the opening match at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with England’s campaign commencing on 16 June against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.