Due to the corona pandemic, the international rules committee IFAB temporarily amended the rules, so that in most competitions it is possible to change 5 instead of 3 times per game. However, the clubs from the Premier League voted against this for the season. Only 3 substitutions are allowed in the Jupiler Pro League.
“We were able to change 5 times against Belgium on Sunday and we did that 4 times in the final phase, but the clubs don’t have that option”, said Southgate. “What does it take to change that? Against Belgium, a few players (Chilwell and Henderson, ed.) Sustained minor injuries, but what are we going to do? Wait until we get a lot of serious injuries?”
In most European competitions, this season also uses the possibility to switch 5 times, but in England a majority of the clubs voted to go back to a maximum of 3 substitutions.
To the incomprehension of the trainers of some top clubs, including Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool) and Pep Guardiola (Manchester City). They have to deal with many injuries in their selections and have also argued for extra substitution options in the Premier League.
Klopp and Guardiola got another injured player back from Southgate yesterday. Liverpool midfielder Henderson fell against the Red Devils with an upper leg injury, City forward Sterling had to drop out with a thigh injury before the game in Leuven.
England will close the Nations League at Wembley tomorrow with an unnecessary duel against Iceland. Both teams have already been eliminated.
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