Guernsey Press

Which England players could benefit if Euro 2024 squad sizes are increased?

The likes of Luke Shaw, Reece James and Mason Mount have had injury-plagued seasons but could still come into Gareth Southgate’s thinking.

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England manager Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 selection headaches could soon ease a little as UEFA considers whether to return to 26-man squads.

Teams have been back to preparing for 23-strong selections this summer after being allowed expanded groups to help cope with the knock-on impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

But a return to 26 is understood to have been backed by the majority of coaches at a Euro 2024 workshop on Monday, with UEFA saying it will make a final decision in the coming weeks.

Previous expanded selections allowed Southgate to take a calculated gamble on the fitness of Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson at Euro 2020 as the pair recovered from injury.

The same went for Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips at the 2022 World Cup as they worked their way back to fitness and, here, the PA news agency has looked some of the potential beneficiaries if it returns to 26 this time.

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw has been injured for much of the season
Luke Shaw has been injured for much of the season (Richard Sellers/PA)

Reece James

Jack Grealish/Marcus Rashford

Gareth Southgate has decisions to make over Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish
Gareth Southgate has decisions to make over Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish (Mike Egerton/PA)

Mason Mount

Ollie Watkins/Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are fighting to be Harry Kane's back-up
Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are fighting to be Harry Kane’s back-up (Kieran Cleeves/PA)
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