Overview

• UEFA's national competitions committee voted to increase squad sizes from 23 to 26 players for this summer's European Championship.
• The expansion, initially introduced during the COVID-disrupted 2021 tournament, is likely to be ratified by UEFA's executive committee this week.
• England manager Gareth Southgate, among others, advocated for the change to alleviate the physical demands on players.
• The larger squad size benefits players with fitness doubts, such as England's Luke Shaw, and offers opportunities for fringe players.
• The decision is part of a broader trend to adapt tournament regulations to the growing demands of international football schedules.