Southgate wants Uefa to keep squads at 23

England boss Gareth Southgate says he is not a big fan of reports that Uefa could allow managers to pick bigger squads for the delayed Euro 2020 finals.

It was confirmed at a Uefa executive committee meeting on Wednesday that a rule allowing five substitutes to be used per team would be extended for the tournament.

With cases of coronavirus rising across Europe, some coaches also feel bigger squads will be needed to cover the chances of positive tests within a camp given there is no scope to postpone games.

No decision has been made and it is not clear whether additional players would stay with the main squad or be placed on a standby list.

Southgate hopes Uefa sticks to 23-man squads. "I know there's some discussion about perhaps an extended number in the squad," Southgate, pictured inset, said. "I'm not certain I'm behind that.

"I know Covid could play a part but I think there's a skill to picking 23. It means you've got to make good decisions and important decisions and I think some of that can be lost as you get an extended group.

"So, yeah, let's see how that develops but I'm not 100 per cent for it, I'd have to say."

While unsure about the merits of an expanded squad, Southgate knows the need to stave off fatigue as much as possible is key.

He felt his players were tiring towards the end of Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Poland and the Euros come hot on the heels of a frantic clubcampaign,offeringprecious little time for players to rest and recuperate.

Asked if it is going to be possible to give players time off before linking up with England like he did at the 2018 World Cup, Southgate said: "Yes, we will still look to do that. Psychologically they need that rest."