England Could Play Two Euro 2028 Games Away from Wembley

England May Play Two Euro 2028 Games Away from Wembley

England’s men’s national team could play two of their Euro 2028 matches away from their traditional home at Wembley Stadium, according to sources close to tournament planning.

While Wembley remains the main venue, one group stage match is set to be played at one of five other English stadiums, and a last-16 tie would also take place away from London if England qualify and advance.

Potential Stadiums for England’s Group Match

BBC Sport understands the Five English stadiums in contention to host one of England’s group matches are:

• Etihad Stadium (Manchester City)

• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

• Villa Park (Aston Villa)

• Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton’s future home)

• St James’ Park (Newcastle United)

No Round of 16 at Wembley

According to the proposed schedule, Wembley will not host any last-16 fixtures, meaning the Three Lions would again play outside the capital if they reach the first knockout round.

Joint Hosting Across the UK and Ireland

Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by:

• England

• Scotland

• Wales

• Republic of Ireland

The opening match of the tournament is expected to be held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, as first reported by The Times.

The official fixture schedule will be released on 12 November at the UEFA Euro 2028 launch in London.

Stadiums & Qualification

Other confirmed host stadiums include:

• Aviva Stadium (Dublin)

• Hampden Park (Glasgow)

Northern Ireland has withdrawn from hosting duties due to the removal of Casement Park in Belfast over funding issues.

Although co-hosts, England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland must still qualify for Euro 2028. However, two “safety net” spots will be reserved if any host nation fails to qualify.

Why Move Away from Wembley?

A senior source told BBC Sport that England’s modernised regional stadiums were a key factor in the decision to take matches outside Wembley.

The national team has increasingly toured the country, especially during scheduling conflicts at Wembley.

• Villa Park hosted England vs Andorra in 2021 due to Coldplay concerts.

• Nottingham Forest’s City Ground hosted a friendly in June under similar circumstances.

Tuchel Critical of Wembley Atmosphere

England manager Thomas Tuchel has recently criticised the atmosphere at Wembley, particularly after a lacklustre crowd response during a friendly vs Wales. This could also factor into the FA’s push for more diverse venues with potentially louder and more engaging crowds.

Summary

• England could play two matches outside Wembley at Euro 2028.

• One group game and one knockout tie would be at alternative English stadiums.

• Wembley will not host any last-16 matches.

• Cardiff’s Principality Stadium is set to host the tournament opener.

• Full schedule launches on 12 November.