Euro 2024 hopefuls across the continent are rejoicing at the news that squads will be allowed to pick 26 players this summer.
UEFA has increased its maximum capacity from 23 players for this summer’s tournament, which stands to benefit certain fringe stars in particular. And a number of England players will rejoice at the prospect of an improved chance at making the cut.
Gareth Southgate has more than a few conundrums on his hands in naming his final 26, with some star talent guaranteed to fall by the wayside. However, the additional slots mean three names will indeed be receiving their tickets to Germany this summer.
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In the attacking department, the bump in squad bulk will be music to the ears of forwards Ollie Watkins, Jack Grealish, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford. Rashford and Grealish in particular are already well established in Southgate’s selection, but their respective dips at Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively, have put their involvement in doubt.
The same might be said for Harry Kane alternative Ivan Toney following his eight-month suspension for breaching gambling rules. Not to mention the fact Brentford boss Thomas Frank’s under-use of the player since his comeback has left Toney lacking minutes in a big way of late.
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Midfield is arguably the most contentious area in terms of talent across the board for England, with a starting trio of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden rivalling most competitors in the world. However, Southgate will also be considering back-up with contenders old and new.
Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips fall under the former, having impressed in the past but fallen seriously out of contention in the past six months. On the other hand, United starlet Kobbie Mainoo, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones may inspire more belief as gems worth investing in now.
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That’s without mentioning the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis, who are full-backs by trade but have thrived for their respective clubs in more advanced roles. Reece James, Levi Colwill and Joe Gomez are also each in the running for those full-back positions, with the latter pair also able to cover in central defence.
Speaking of the back pairing, AC Milan-based Fikayo Tomori may fancy his chances of earning more attention from Southgate thanks to the extra allocation. The former Chelsea defender has been considered overlooked in the past and remains far from a sure thing after excelling during his time at the San Siro.
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Eric Dier has also benefited from a move abroad and gone from Tottenham misfit to Bayern Munich talisman in recent months, improving his chances of being picked. That’s in addition to centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, each of whom have conjured up individual success for their clubs this campaign.