UEFA is considering a return to 26-man squads for Euro 2024, a move that could alleviate England manager Gareth Southgate’s selection challenges. The move has received support from coaches and could provide opportunities for players like Luke Shaw, Reece James, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount, and Ollie Watkins.
Manchester City star Phil Foden and his partner, Rebecca Cooke, are expecting their third child together. The couple, who have been in a relationship since childhood, are already parents to two children, a five-year-old son named Ronnie and a one-year-old daughter named True. The news comes after the couple was involved in a heated argument while on vacation in Corfu in 2022. Witnesses claimed that the incident occurred after Rebecca allegedly found something on Phil’s phone. Additionally, Phil Foden faced controversy in September 2020 when he was dropped from the England team for breaking Covid quarantine rules. Despite these past issues, Foden is expected to be a key player for England in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is determined to secure a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024, citing his versatility as a key advantage over his rivals. Having made his Three Lions debut last month, Gordon has been impressing for Newcastle, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions. He believes his ability to play across multiple positions, including as a center forward, right-winger, and number 10, will give him an edge in Gareth Southgate’s squad selection. Gordon has received praise from Southgate and is among the serious contenders for a spot, as UEFA is set to allow expanded 26-man squads for the Euros.
UEFA has reversed its decision to reduce tournament squads to 23 players. Instead, teams will be able to select a 26-man roster for Euro 2024, which will be held in Munich. This change was made in response to pressure from national team coaches who cited the high number of injuries this season. It also ensures that all 15 players not selected in the starting XI will be able to sit on the bench, as was the case at the 2022 World Cup. While FIFA may revert to 23-man squads for the 2026 World Cup, it is likely that the larger squads will become the norm for UEFA competitions.
UEFA has voted in favor of allowing teams to select 26 players for the upcoming European Championships. This expansion, previously implemented during the 2021 Euros due to the COVID pandemic, will now become the norm for all future UEFA national competitions. The decision is expected to receive final approval from the UEFA executive committee, providing a boost to England and Scotland, who have been affected by injuries in recent weeks.
Jude Bellingham has set his sights on a trophy treble this season after winning the World Breakthrough of the Year award at the Laureus World Sports Awards. The Real Madrid midfielder, who has scored 21 goals in all competitions since joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer, hopes to add the La Liga title and Champions League trophy to his collection before heading to Euro 2024 with England. “I think success would be all three,” said Bellingham. “We’re still in with a chance of two with Madrid and obviously the Euros with England.”
Jude Bellingham has become the first footballer to win the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award. The English midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable season with Real Madrid, scoring 21 goals and assisting 10 times. He is now considered one of the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
Former England manager Fabio Capello has expressed concerns about the quality of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and central defenders ahead of Euro 2024. While acknowledging England’s strengths in midfield and attack, Capello highlighted weaknesses at the back, citing the team’s tendency to freeze during crucial matches. He specifically questioned Pickford’s decision-making and referred to the Euro 2020 final against Italy, where England’s goalkeeper often opted for long clearances rather than playing with confidence.
