Euro 2020: Seven players who could benefit from a 26-man England squad after key UEFA decision
In many ways, Euro 2020 will be a very different tournament to other iterations of the competition that we’ve seen in the past.
For one thing, it’s taking place a year later than originally planned, while also boasting more teams than ever before, and visiting more host cities than a backpacker with an Interrail ticket.
Another key change, however, is that it looks as if participating nations will be allowed to take 26 players as part of their squad, rather than the usual 23.
It’s widely reported that members of UEFA’s national team committee have already agreed to the deal, with the decision expected to be ratified by the ruling executive committee later this week.
But with extra space opening in Gareth Southgate’s squad, who will be the lucky few to benefit from the move?
We’ve picked out seven players for whom this latest update could prove to be a very welcome boost...
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Gareth Southgate loves a right-back, doesn't he? To be fair to the England boss, he has enough of them to choose from at the moment, but one man who has found himself on the periphery of the squad in recent times is Trent Alexander-Arnold. Could a 26-man squad be the insurance policy he needs to ensure that his spot at the Euros is safe? (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
2. Patrick Bamford
After a stellar season in the top flight, the Leeds United man must be asking himself what else he has to do to snag a place in Southgate's plans this summer. Perhaps the leeway of having a few extra bodies could be the break he needs to convince the England boss. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool
3. Jude Bellingham
What a player Jude Bellingham will be one day - heck, what a player he is right now. The only thing that counts against him is a lack of experience, but if there were any doubts about whether or not Southgate can afford to include him in his squad, this should put them to bed. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: INA FASSBENDER
4. Jesse Lingard
The irrefutable form player in the Premier League, the only question hanging over Lingard is whether or not Southgate can justify putting in a player who has only really turned it on for the past couple of months. A 26-man contingent surely eradicates that debate. (Photo by JUSTIN SETTERFIELD/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: JUSTIN SETTERFIELD