Euro 2020 squads: selections, surprises and the expanded format

The squads for UEFA Euro 2020 reflected the unusual circumstances of a tournament played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for 2020, the competition took place from 11 June to 11 July 2021, with 24 national teams competing across Europe.

Why teams could name 26 players

For Euro 2020, UEFA increased the permitted squad size from 23 players to 26. The change gave managers more cover in case of injury, illness or the effects of a demanding season. It did not mean that every player could feature on a matchday: teams still selected a 23-player matchday squad for each game.

The expanded squads gave coaches greater choice, particularly when balancing specialist roles. Managers could take additional defenders, midfielders or forwards without sacrificing as much cover in other areas. Goalkeepers remained an important consideration, with three included in each matchday squad.

Big names and notable decisions

Squad announcements brought a mixture of expected selections and major talking points. France included Karim Benzema, who returned to the national team after an absence of more than five years. Spain, meanwhile, made headlines when manager Luis Enrique left Sergio Ramos out of the squad.

In England, Gareth Southgate selected a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent. Jude Bellingham, still a teenager, was among the young players in the squad. Elsewhere, the Netherlands had to manage the absence of captain Virgil van Dijk, who was recovering from a serious knee injury.

Such decisions showed how differently the 24 managers approached the tournament. Some favoured established players with major-tournament experience; others placed greater emphasis on form, versatility or the demands of a long campaign.

Experience, youth and tactical options

The 26-player limit encouraged managers to think beyond their first-choice starting eleven. Versatile players who could cover several positions were particularly useful, while extra attacking options gave teams more ways to change a match from the bench.

It also created opportunities for younger players to be part of a major international tournament. For many, selection offered valuable experience even if their minutes on the pitch were limited. At the same time, senior figures provided leadership in squads that had to adapt to disrupted preparations and strict health protocols.

How the squads shaped the tournament

The expanded format gave coaches more flexibility, but choosing a squad was only the beginning. Managers still had to settle on a formation, build partnerships and decide when to use their substitutes. With five substitutions permitted in a match, depth could make a significant difference as teams progressed through the group stage and knockout rounds.

Italy ultimately won the tournament, defeating England on penalties in the final at Wembley. The result capped a competition in which strong squad balance, effective coaching and contributions from players across the team proved as important as headline names.

A tournament remembered for its squads

Euro 2020’s 26-player squads were a practical response to an exceptional period in international football. They offered managers extra protection against disruption and a wider range of tactical choices. The selections also gave fans plenty to debate: the returning stars, the breakthrough youngsters, the notable omissions and the players who made the most of their opportunity.

 

Euro 2020 Squads: Eight Essential Tips to Know

1. Remember that Euro 2020 was played in 2021, despite its name.
2. Teams could select expanded 26-player squads.
3. Each squad included at least three goalkeepers.
4. A squad list is not the same as a match-day starting XI.
5. Check players’ positions, as many can cover more than one role.
6. Compare squad depth across defence, midfield and attack.
7. Teams could make five substitutions in a match, plus one in extra time.
8. Check official squad announcements for late injury changes.

Remember that Euro 2020 was played in 2021, despite its name.

Remember that Euro 2020 was played in 2021, despite keeping its original name. The tournament had been postponed by a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so squad announcements, preparations and matches all took place in 2021. Its branding remained unchanged to mark the event as Euro 2020.

Teams could select expanded 26-player squads.

For Euro 2020, teams could select expanded squads of up to 26 players, rather than the usual 23. The change gave managers extra options and cover in case of injury or illness during the tournament, while allowing greater flexibility when choosing a balance of players for different positions. Although squads could include 26 players, only 23 were eligible for each matchday squad.

Each squad included at least three goalkeepers.

Each Euro 2020 squad had to include at least three goalkeepers, ensuring teams had cover in the event of injury or illness. Although only one goalkeeper could start a match, having two reserves gave managers an important safeguard throughout the tournament.

A squad list is not the same as a match-day starting XI.

A Euro 2020 squad list includes all the players selected for the tournament, not just those who start a particular match. Before kick-off, the manager chooses a starting XI from that wider group, with the remaining selected players available as substitutes. Squad members may therefore contribute at different stages of the tournament, even if they do not feature in the starting line-up.

Check players’ positions, as many can cover more than one role.

When comparing Euro 2020 squads, check each player’s positions rather than relying on their main role alone. Many footballers can cover more than one position, giving managers valuable flexibility if injuries, suspensions or tactical changes affect the team. A versatile midfielder might also play in defence, for example, while a forward could be used across several attacking roles. These players can strengthen a squad by providing useful cover without taking up a place for every specialist position.

Compare squad depth across defence, midfield and attack.

When comparing the Euro 2020 squads, look beyond the starting eleven and assess the depth in defence, midfield and attack. Consider whether each team had reliable cover for injuries or suspensions, versatile players who could fill several roles, and substitutes capable of changing a match. Strong depth across all three areas could be especially valuable over a demanding tournament, helping teams maintain their level through the group stage and knockout rounds.

Teams could make five substitutions in a match, plus one in extra time.

At Euro 2020, teams could make up to five substitutions during a match, with an additional substitution available if the game went to extra time. To limit disruption, substitutions could be made during a maximum of three stoppages in normal time, with an extra opportunity at half-time in extra time. This rule gave managers more scope to manage fatigue, respond to injuries and change tactics as the tournament progressed.

Check official squad announcements for late injury changes.

Check official squad announcements for late injury changes, as a player’s availability can shift between the initial selection and the start of the tournament. National football associations and UEFA provide the most reliable updates, including details of replacements and changes to the final squad. This is especially useful when following team news, planning coverage or assessing a side’s options before a match.

Tags: 23-player matchday squads, 26-player squads, covid-19 pandemic, england, euro 2020 squads, expanded squad format, five substitutions, gareth southgate, italy, jude bellingham, karim benzema, luis enrique, national teams, sergio ramos, squad selections, tactical flexibility, tournament played in 2021, uefa euro 2020, virgil van dijk, wembley final, youth and experience