Unlike the usual competitions, Didier Deschamps has selected 26 players for the next European Championship.

Indeed, UEFA has authorized the coaches to summon three additional players to deal with unforeseen events linked to the coronavirus pandemic. 

DECRYPTION

This is a first since the Confederations Cup 2001. For the next Euro, Didier Deschamps, like the other coaches, has not called 23 players as usual, but 26. A novelty allowed by UEFA which has implemented a few special rules due to the potential impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 

26 players selected

Three goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 6 midfielders and 8 attackers ... Didier Deschamps therefore called 26 players.

The coach thus takes advantage of the announcement at the beginning of May of UEFA, supposed to make it possible to face the risks of contamination with Covid-19 and quarantine, and therefore to avoid matches impossible to play because of decimated staff.

Objective announced: to guarantee "the smooth running and continuity of the competition in the light of the pandemic".

UEFA specifies that this is not the final adoption of a "List of Twenty-Six" for international competitions. 

Three in the stands in each match

But not all 26 players will have their chance to step onto the pitch in every game, as only 23 players will be able to feature on the scoresheet.

Three players will therefore have to remain in the stands, but their identity may change from match to match.

If he said he was rather favorable to a list of 26 players, Didier Deschamps hoped for his part that all could appear on the scoresheet. 

An injured or sick player can be replaced by the Euro

If he revealed the names of the lucky ones elected Tuesday evening, Didier Deschamps has until June 1 to submit his list of 26 to UEFA. But its composition may change in the event of a physical glitch by the start of the competition. .

Because between this date and the first match of their team, the coaches will be able to freely replace a player in the event of "serious injury or illness", medically certified, specified at the beginning of May the UEFA.

Note that players who test positive for Covid-19 or those placed in solitary confinement as a contact case also fall into the category of "serious illnesses". 

In addition, the goalkeepers could be replaced before each match "in the event of physical incapacity, even if one or two goalkeepers of the list are still available", also specifies the UEFA. 

What timetable for the Blues?

- May 26: Beginning of the gathering at Clairefontaine. 

June 2 (9:05 p.m.): First preparation match, against Wales, in Nice.

-8 June (9:10 p.m.): Second preparation match, against Bulgaria, in Saint-Denis.

-15 June (21h00): First match of the group stage at the Euro, against Germany, in Munich.

- June 19 (3:00 p.m.): Second match of the group stage at the Euro, against Hungary, in Budapest.

- June 23 (9:00 p.m.): Third match of the group stage at the Euro, against Portugal, in Budapest.