UEFA will talk to European associations and coaches about expanding the European Championship selections. Earlier this week, national coach Ronald Koeman expressed fierce criticism of the fact that he is only allowed to include 23 players in his selection, but that may now change.

A workshop will take place on April 8, during which UEFA will discuss expanding the selections with various countries. Koeman already indicated that he would be in favor of an expansion and stated that he would lobby other countries to achieve this.

“I just think you should be able to select 26 players. I find it absurd… You see so many injuries in all countries. You're going to the end of the season. With a squad of 23 men, if one is missing you can no longer play eleven-a-side in training. You can substitute the goalkeeper in the event of an injury, but not a player,” said a concerned Koeman.

Due to the corona pandemic, the number of selection players for the European Championship 2020 (which took place a year later) and the 2022 World Cup was expanded from 23 to 26. Because the pandemic is now over, it was decided that the number will decrease by three players again next summer to 23 players . After the match against Germany last Tuesday (2-1 loss), Koeman strongly criticized that decision.

“We started this period with 26 players and we ended with 22,” the national coach continued. “On June 7 you have to make the final list for the European Championship. That's nine days before the first match. If something happens in those nine days, what then? In this one-week period we lost three guys to injuries, apart from Brian Brobbey.” The Ajax striker had already withdrawn from the international matches with Scotland and Germany due to a muscle injury.

An expansion of the European Championship selections would mean good news for a number of players. When everyone is fit, Koeman's selection will be crowded, especially in midfield, everything is still anything but decided. For example, Georginio Wijnaldum, Quinten Timber and Marten de Roon hope to be there when Koeman announces his final European Championship selection.

The Dutch national team will play two more friendlies in the run-up to the European Championship. The match will be played against Canada on June 6, followed by Iceland on June 10. It is therefore expected that the European Championship selection will already be known prior to these matches. On June 16, the Dutch team will play the first group match at the European Championship against Poland.

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