Being able to use five substitutes is a new phenomenon, but after a record-breaking impact from players off the bench in the knockout stages at Euro 2020, interest in making additional replacements a permanent fixture will only increase. Five goals were scored in 15 knockout matches by substitutes at Euro 2016, but there have been nine already this time around, with three games still to go. READ: Euro 2020: Veteran Italy defenders out to prove a point against SpainWith five chances to change a match, coaches are understanding the importance of keeping such talent in reserve, especially during a gruelling tournament. Sources from within the game have told Reuters that there is a desire for five substitutions to remain a permanent fixture. The counterargument from many club-level coaches is that five subs favour bigger teams with greater financial resources to have more strength in depth.

Source: The Hindu July 06, 2021 03:56 UTC