Gareth Southgate has just over two months to decide on his final England squad for Euro 2024.
The squad announcement is likely causing Southgate a lot of stress, as he has to narrow down his large number of talented players into one final list of players.
The friendly games against Brazil and Belgium may have given Southgate more clarity on who will be in his final squad, but there's still plenty of time for his plans to change a lot as the season progresses.
While players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are certain to be included, many places are still available, with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon among those hoping to be selected.
When will the England squad for Euro 2024 be announced?
The England squad announcement for Euro 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21.
This will be an initial squad, with around 30 players set to be included on the list.
The announcement comes two days after the Premier League season ends, but before the finals of the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.
This means that Southgate will have to anxiously wait to see if any of his players involved in the finals come through without injuries.
Two days after the Champions League final, England play Bosnia and Herzegovina in their second-to-last Euro 2024 warm-up game at St. James’ Park on June 3.
England will return to Wembley to face Iceland on June 7, with the UEFA deadline for the final squad submission just one hour after the match ends.
England begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16.
How many players will be in the England squad for Euro 2024?
As things stand, Southgate can select 23 players for his final squad for Euro 2024.
Of these 23 players, UEFA rules state that three must be goalkeepers.
However, the squad limit could possibly be raised to 26 players, with the matter to be discussed in a meeting between UEFA and the national team managers in April.
UEFA had increased the squad limit from 23 to 26 for Euro 2020 to address the effects of the pandemic.
The same approach was then adopted by FIFA for the Qatar World Cup, citing ongoing concerns over Covid and to reduce player workload given the tournament was taking place during the middle of a grueling season.
UEFA decided to return to the traditional 23-player limit for Euro 2024, but a number of injuries across various teams during the March international break brought the conversation back into focus.
An increase in the number of players allowed in each squad would allow Southgate, as well as the managers of the other 23 teamsto take more risks with their selections, especially involving players who are dealing with injuries.
