UEFA’s Executive Committee has given the green-light to expanded squads for Euro 2020, increasing the maximum number of players from 23 to 26. The decision was taken to avoid the possibility of squads lacking numbers owing to possible positive COVID cases and the mandatory quarantines that would follow. The maximum number of players a nation can name on the team-sheet for each game remains 23, of which three must be goalkeepers.

Between the squad announcements on 1 June and the first game of the Championships, selectors will be able to make any number of changes if players suffer either serious injury or illness; the player called-up must be medically certified. Players who test positive for COVID or who are “close contacts” - and must therefore self-isolate - are considered as suffering serious illness, and thus, with UEFA’s approval, can be replaced before the first game of the tournament.

The new rules will also allow the replacing of injured or ill goalkeepers before each game during the tournament, even if one of the other selected goalkeepers is fit to play. A player who is removed from the squad to be replaced can, of course, not be brought back to the tournament.