UEFA’s decision to increase the squad sizes for the upcoming European Championship has implications for Liverpool and their players. With up to eight players expected to be involved in the Euros and four more in the Copa America, there is concern about their extended seasons and potential impact on pre-season preparations.
The announcement that the maximum squad size for Euro ’24 will rise from 23 to 26 players opens up more opportunities for Liverpool’s young talents. Players like Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch could now have a chance to be selected by their respective national teams.
Jones, who was recently mentioned by England manager Gareth Southgate before his injury in March, has shown promise at a young age. Meanwhile, Elliott has been impressive at the under-21 level. Gravenberch, although facing uncertainties with the Netherlands’ selectors, could benefit from the increase in squad size and potentially join forces with Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.
While a place at the Euros is a great opportunity for these players, it also means their seasons will be extended. This could result in them reporting late for Liverpool’s pre-season training under new manager Arne Slot. The exact timing of Slot’s arrival is expected to be confirmed later this month.
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule is set to begin in the United States on July 26, with a friendly against Real Betis. However, with the Euros running from June 14 to July 14 and the new Premier League season kicking off on August 17, there is little time for the internationals to rest and prepare for the upcoming campaign.
The list of players likely to go to Euro ’24 includes key figures like Van Dijk, Gakpo, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Robertson, Konate, Szoboszlai, and Jota. The uncertainty surrounds players like Jones, Elliott, Quansah, and Gravenberch, who may or may not make the final cut for their national teams. On the other hand, some players, such as Kelleher, Adrian, Tsimikas, Thiago, Bajcetic, Bradley, Matip, Endo, Salah, and Doak, are not expected to participate in the Euros.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will be representing Brazil in the Copa America alongside Mac Allister, Nunez, and Diaz.
Overall, UEFA’s decision to increase squad sizes for Euro ’24 has both positive and negative implications for Liverpool. While it provides opportunities for young players to showcase their talents on the international stage, it also means a longer season and a potential disruption to pre-season preparations. The tight turnaround between the Euros and the start of the Premier League season adds to the challenges faced by Liverpool’s internationals.