New hope for Goretzka and Gnabry: UEFA wants to increase European Championship squad limit | OneFootball

The latest announcement from UEFA could bring about a positive turnaround for Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry with regard to the European Championship. A possible increase in the squad limit for the 2024 European Championship opens up new opportunities, especially for players who have recently been on the fringes of the national team.

According to The Athletic, the European Football Association has taken note of the demands of some national coaches regarding squad size for EURO 2024. The national coaches criticised the enormous workload placed on the players throughout the season and therefore called for an increase in the number of players who can be nominated. The association is now planning to discuss this in detail at the upcoming workshop on 8 April. This could play into the hands of some players who have not recently been called up for their national teams.

To date, national coach Julian Nagelsmann and his colleagues have been limited to 23 players. An extension of three more players is being discussed. This could have a significant impact on the coaches‘ options and strategic direction.

For Goretzka and Gnabry, who were recently not called up for the German test matches, this could mean a decisive turnaround. Nagelsmann had announced that the DFB squad was largely set and that there was hardly any room for new signings, but this would change with a potential expansion of the squad. Goretzka’s non-nomination in particular came as a surprise to many after his recent strong performances. Serge Gnabry, on the other hand, is mainly struggling with his bad luck with injuries in the current season.

Dortmund could also benefit

Not only these two, but also other high-calibre players such as Dortmund’s Niklas Süle, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck and youngster Youssoufa Moukoko could benefit from this rule change and hope to take part in the prestigious tournament.

During the 2021 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup, 26 players were allowed to take part in each tournament – a temporary measure in response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. UEFA’s rethink is supported by coaches such as England’s Gareth Southgate and the Dutchman Ronald Koeman, who are in favour of a permanent increase in the squad limit.