The England football team are set to ditch Wembley in a group stage game at Euro 2028 in a break from sporting tradition, reports BritPanorama.
Details on the new stadium have emerged, with Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium reportedly set to host the international fixture. The Three Lions will then play at one of three other British stadiums if they progress to the knockout rounds.
In the running to host the round of 16 are the grounds of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Newcastle United. They were all previously in the running for the group match before Manchester City reportedly won the bid.
Next week, the Etihad Stadium, currently in the midst of a £300m expansion that will take its capacity to 61,747, will be announced as England’s “second home” for the group stage, according to the Mail. City’s expansion, expected to be completed during the current season, will add 7,900 seats to the capacity.
The move represents a significant shift in the FA’s approach to hosting international fixtures, opting for a more decentralised approach. The 2028 Euros will take place in all four UK nations, with the Aviva Stadium in Ireland also being used. Cardiff, Glasgow, and Belfast will be the UK host cities outside of England. A full schedule will be announced next week.
While the four hosts will play qualifying matches, two slots in the 24-nation finals will be reserved for host countries whose teams fail to qualify. If more than two teams fail to secure places on merit, UEFA will select the two that performed best in qualifying. Any others would miss out.
This decision underscores the ongoing evolution of how major international tournaments are arranged, reflecting a growing emphasis on inclusivity across the UK. As Euro 2028 approaches, the implications of these choices will be closely watched, especially for fans eager to support their teams throughout the competition.
In a game where traditions are often cherished, the move away from Wembley for a group stage match signals a new chapter for the England team. It will be interesting to see how both players and fans react to this departure from the familiar.
