UEFA has two strict rules for shirt numbers at Euro 2024 that England fans might not know about

UEFA have two strict rules for shirt numbers at Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate is currently whittling down his 33-man provisional squad to the required 26 ahead of the European Championship in Germany.

James Maddison and Curtis Jones have already been left out of England’s 26-player squad, with neither expected to feature in Friday's friendly against Iceland. Meanwhile, the uncapped Jarell Quansah is also expected to be left out of the squad.

Southgate has until 11pm on Friday to cut down his preliminary squad, which is due an hour after England’s final Euro 2024 warm-up game at Wembley.

Once Southgate’s squad has been announced they will have to follow rules when allocating shirt numbers.

As per article 58 on UEFA’s website, players must be allocated numbers between 1 and 26 for the tournament.

That means England's Declan Rice is not allowed to don his preferred No.41 that he wears at club level, while Phil Foden won’t be able to have the No.47 on his shirt, as he does with Manchester City.

Meanwhile, the No.1 can only be used by a goalkeeper.

Ahead of coming to decision on his squad, Southgate said: “We understand the significance for all of the players so we're giving it the respect and attention it deserves to make fair, right decisions. Of course, it's always going to be subjective.

"It's not just getting the best individuals in, there's a positional element to that as well.

UEFA have two strict rules for shirt numbers at Euro 2024 (Getty)

"We've got really good options and I think we've come through tonight without any physical issues, which is really important."

The England boss continued: "Some players needed the game, they needed the minutes and they need the minutes again on Friday. That's why we brought Harry Kane on. He needed some match time today and then to back that up.

"We're spinning a lot of plates trying to get individuals into things, manage minutes, perform well and everything else, but I think it was a good night for us."

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