Do managers have to name two goalkeepers on the bench?
Quite simply, yes.
When it was announced that national team managers could pick a 26-man squad for this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament, it remained a requirement that three goalkeepers had to be included in the match-day squad, which is only 23 players strong.
The Three Lions manager is free to pick whoever he wants as part of his match-day squad aside from the requirements around goalkeepers.
What do the rules say?
Article 43.01 from UEFA’s match procedures section, stipulates that “each team shall indicate in the relevant match sheet the numbers, full names, dates of birth and, if applicable, shirt names of the 23 players in the squad”.
UEFA goes on to state in Article 43.02 that “the players’ shirts must correspond with the numbers on the match sheet, on which the goalkeepers and team captain must also be identified”.
When the governing body release details about expanding the overall squad size to 26 players, it explained that there can be a “maximum of 12 substitutes, including three goalkeepers (in the 23-man squad)”.
What about at previous tournaments?
In previous tournaments, managers have also had to name three goalkeepers in their 23-man match-day squad.
Does picking two back-up goalkeepers make sense?
Of all the positions on the pitch, managers won’t want to find themselves in a situation where an outfield player has to go in goal because of a crisis in between the sticks.
While it may seem far-fetched, it isn’t inconceivable that both a goalkeeper and his back-up could be sent off or suffer an injury over the course of 90 minutes.
If that scenario played out, then having a third goalkeeper in the match-day squad provides an element of comfort, despite the chances of them actually playing being relatively slim.
Another point to consider is that goalkeepers tend to warm up in groups of three ahead of a match, which could also be part of the manager’s thinking.
What did Southgate say about dropping Sancho and Chilwell?
“It is just unfortunate we can only name 23, I don’t like having to leave players out of the squad in a major tournament, it is not fair on them,” the England manager explained.
“That was our front six in our games in March and we had some continuity with that. We have some fabulous options to bring into the game. We are going to need those players. With heat like this, substitutes are going to be more important than ever.”
(Photo: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
