A UEFA 'loophole' could see the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison called up by England for Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate made some ruthless decisions as he named his 26-man squad for this summer's tournament in Germany.
Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton were included while Manchester City's Grealish and Tottenham's Maddison were left out.
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But while Southgate has confirmed his players for Euro 2024, he can still make changes to his squad in extraordinary circumstances, paving the way for Grealish and Maddison, among others.
This relates to Article 48 of UEFA's official tournament regulations, which specifically references squad selections.
The regulations state that players can be replaced if they 'become seriously injured or ill' - but only if the team doctor and a UEFA Medical Committee member confirm that the problem is 'sufficiently serious to prevent them from taking part' in Euro 2024.
So, players who have been told by the 53-year-old that they are not travelling to Germany could still be a part of the England squad in the event of a serious injury or illness to one of the final squad members.
However, a call up for Grealish in such scenario appears unlikely as the 28-year-old has jetted out to Dubai for a well-earned trip.
But if Southgate needed him, then he could cut short his holiday to link up with the national team - like Ian Maatsen, who is set to replace Frenkie de Jong in the Netherlands' squad.
The Blues forward made 36 appearances across all competitions for Man City last season.
As for Maddison, he played 30 games in all competitions for Spurs in an injury-hit campaign.
England begin their campaign on Sunday when they face Serbia.
The Three Lions then take on Denmark on June 20 before meeting Slovenia on June 25.
Topics: Jack Grealish, James Maddison, Football, England
Nasir Jabbar