England and Scotland Set to Expand Euro 2024 Squads to 26 Players: UEFA Vote Approved

England and Scotland are set to benefit from an expanded squad selection for Euro 2024, with UEFA voting to increase the limit from 23 players to 26. This decision comes after the use of enlarged squads at the last Euros in 2021 to help teams cope with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposal for larger squads was initially discussed during a meeting of all the nations’ coaches in Dusseldorf, and it was approved at a recent UEFA national competitions committee meeting. This change is expected to become the standard for all UEFA national competitions moving forward.

While the decision still needs to be officially ratified by the UEFA executive committee, it is seen as a formality and is likely to be confirmed remotely in the coming days. This development will provide a welcome boost for England manager Gareth Southgate and Scotland boss Steve Clarke, who have both been dealing with injury concerns ahead of the tournament.

For Scotland, the injury woes have been particularly concerning, with key players like Lewis Ferguson, Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Patterson, and Aaron Hickey facing fitness issues. Clarke will now have to navigate these challenges and make tough decisions as he finalizes his squad for Euro 2024.

With just two warm-up games remaining before their tournament opener against Germany, Scotland will need to carefully assess their options and ensure they have a strong and fit squad for the competition. The expanded squad selection will provide both England and Scotland with more flexibility and depth as they prepare for the Euros.

Overall, the decision to allow 26-player squads for Euro 2024 is a positive step that will benefit all participating teams and help them navigate the challenges of international competition.