Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate Photo: WPA Pool/Getty Images
England told UEFA they want to play for a place at Euro 2028, taking part in qualifying alongside their four hosts, raising the risk of someone missing out on their tournament.
Britain and Ireland's bid was approved on Tuesday in Switzerland, UEFA confirmed , that there is no opposition to the finals being held in England, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Dublin.
This means that Great Britain and Ireland will host a full major tournament for the first time in 27 years since England hosted the Euro -96.
Cardiff has been proposed as the host city for the first match, with Wembley hosting it. semi-final and final. The proposed match split would consist of six matches in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, five in Northern Ireland, with the remaining 28 games played at English stadiums. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will join Wembley in hosting matches in London, as well as Etihad Stadium, Villa Park, St James' Park and Everton's new Bramley-Moore Dock.
When the refurbishment is complete, Casement Park in Belfast will have a capacity of 35,000 and will not host any games beyond the last 16, but the quarter-finals will be shared between the remaining four hosts.
However, while two spots are reserved as “spare” for host countries that fail to pass their qualifying group, all five plan to go through the process.
UEFA always only gives the home team two automatic places, so qualifying at least gives all five a chance to qualify.
England believes the qualifying campaign will benefit the team as it prepares for the tournament. Germany will host next year's European Championship and are in disarray, with Hansi Flick sacked following poor results in friendlies and a lack of competitive fixtures cited as one of the issues that contributed to their poor form.
The Football Association is reviewing competitive fixtures matches as the best preparation for a major tournament, rather than looking for a suitable opponent for friendly matches during the qualifying period.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham attended UEFA's presentation at Europe's governing body's headquarters in Nyon, a formality after Turkey withdrew and instead joined forces with Italy for the 2032 tournament. Five-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale arrived in Geneva on Monday and joined the Welsh delegation.
Gareth Bale is part of the Welsh delegation. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP
The UK and Ireland tournament is expected to cost pounds. 2.6 billion into the economy when the 51-match tournament is played. As Telegraph Sport reported last week, it is expected to generate record revenues, a huge boon for UEFA after losses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A joint statement from the five football associations said: “The UK and Ireland thank UEFA for trusting to award Euro 2028 to the five association partnership and congratulate Italy and Turkey on their appointment to Euro 2032.
” There are marches across the UK and Ireland celebrations as players, fans and local communities can look forward to an outstanding festival of summer football at UEFA Euro 2028.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser welcomed the news, saying: “I am delighted that we have secured Euro 2028. This will be the biggest sporting event ever staged jointly in the UK and Ireland.”
“We'll be adding to the brilliant tournament with fans. We will warmly welcome fans from across Europe to the shores of our islands and provide people with memories that will last a lifetime.
“In addition, the tournament is expected to generate up to £2.6 billion in socio-economic benefits . economic benefit for host countries, creating jobs and opportunity.”
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew added: “I am delighted that the UK and Ireland will host Euro 2028. We have experience, stadiums. and, most importantly, some of the most passionate football fans in the world.
“Working together, the tournament will bring the game to new audiences and inspire the next generation of players, fans and volunteers, as well as providing a significant economic boost to host countries.
“We have a fantastic track record of hosting the world's biggest sporting events and Euro 2028 will be no exception as it will be an incredible festival of football.”
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