Expanded squad offers hope for Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish
Gareth Southgate will be able to select a squad of 26 players for this summer’s European Championship – which could prove good news for Villa skipper Jack Grealish and team-mate Ollie Watkins.
Uefa is understood to have given the green light for nations to name expanded squads of 26 players for this summer’s rearranged European Championship against the backdrop of the Covid-19 situation across the continent.
And that could prove a bonus for Grealish, who has missed Villa’s last 10 Premier League games with a shin issue and no imminent likelihood of a return.
With Southgate having an extra three players to call upon, it offers a greater opportunity for Grealish to book his place.
Striker Watkins, who scored on his Three Lions debut in the 5-0 win over San Marino, could also benefit from the move while Wolves skipper Conor Coady already looks assured of a slot having impressed for England.
Having postponed the tournament last year, changes to the original competition continue as Euro 2020 goes ahead amid the coronavirus-shaped backdrop.
Uefa’s executive committee last month confirmed teams will be able to make five substitutions per game at the tournament to help balance player workload at the end of an intense season.
With such issues in mind, squads at the Euros are now set to be increased from 23 players to a group of 26.
It has been reported that Uefa’s national teams committee recommended the expansion, which is expected to be rubber-stamped by the executive committee of European football’s governing body.
However, Southgate admitted he was not keen on the expanded squads being introduced when asked about it during the March internationals, even though he is expected to now utilise the full complement of 26 players.
“I know there’s some discussion about perhaps an extended number in the squad,” Southgate said. “I’m not certain I’m behind that.
“I know Covid could play a part but I think there’s a skill to picking 23. It means you’ve got to make good decisions and important decisions and I think some of that can be lost as you get an extended group. So, yeah, let’s see how that develops but I’m not 100 per cent for it, I’d have to say.”
Southgate will name his squad for the Euros in the week beginning May 24, while Wales and Scotland have yet to indicate when they will make their selections.
