England Fans Fume as FA Requests Wembley to Host All Euro 2028 Fixtures
Three Lions fans were left fuming as the FA has reportedly requested for Wembley to host ALL of England’s Euro 2028 fixtures. The five-nation British Isles bid – featuring England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland – was accepted by UEFA this week.
The original plans included six venues across England – Wembley, Villa Park, St James’ Park, the Etihad, Everton’s in-construction new home at Bramley Moore Dock, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But now Gareth Southgate’s side is set to be given the chance to play all their Euro 2028 matches at Wembley.
The commercial benefits of staging England matches there are likely to see the FA get their way. The other home nations will also lobby UEFA to play their own fixtures at their national stadiums, assuming they qualify.
With Casement Park in Belfast, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium being the non-English venues to be awarded matches. But England fans have blasted the proposition.
One supporter wrote: “How boring is that!” A second added: “That’s totally wrong. I’d prefer it went around the country.” A third fan said: “So they expect England fans to travel to London?” A fourth declared: “Absolutely embarrassing.”
The Three Lions will stage 28 of the 51 matches, including both semi-finals and the final at Wembley. With Wembley originally expected to get eight games including both semi-finals and the final. Big stadiums to miss out are Manchester United’s Old Trafford, West Ham’s London Stadium, and Liverpool’s Anfield.
A final decision on the match schedule for Euro 2028 will not be discussed until after next summer’s Euros when the qualification process for the tournament will be decided. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that all the host nations wanted to go through qualifying, but UEFA will keep two spots open in reserve for any who fail to qualify.
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Title: England Fans Fume as FA Requests Wembley to Host All Euro 2028 Fixtures
Meta Description: Three Lions fans express their disappointment as the FA requests for Wembley to host all of England’s Euro 2028 fixtures. The commercial benefits and potential drawbacks of this decision are discussed.
Introduction:
Three Lions fans were left fuming as the FA has reportedly requested for Wembley to host ALL of England’s Euro 2028 fixtures. The decision comes after the five-nation British Isles bid, featuring England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, was accepted by UEFA. While the original plans included six venues across England, the FA is pushing for all matches to be played at Wembley. This article explores the reactions of England fans and discusses the potential implications of this decision.
Heading 1: England Fans Express Disappointment
Heading 2: Commercial Benefits and Drawbacks
Heading 3: Other Home Nations’ Requests
Heading 4: Non-English Venues Awarded Matches
Heading 5: Reactions from England Fans
Heading 6: Match Schedule and Qualification Process
England Fans Express Disappointment
The news of Wembley hosting all of England’s Euro 2028 fixtures has not been well-received by Three Lions fans. Many fans expressed their disappointment and frustration with the decision. Some fans found it boring and believed that the matches should be spread across the country to give more fans the opportunity to watch their team play.
Commercial Benefits and Drawbacks
The FA’s request to host all matches at Wembley is driven by the commercial benefits associated with staging England matches at the iconic stadium. Wembley has a rich history and is known for its capacity to attract large crowds. However, this decision also has drawbacks, as it limits the opportunity for fans outside of London to experience the tournament firsthand.
Other Home Nations’ Requests
While England is pushing for all matches to be played at Wembley, the other home nations are expected to lobby UEFA to play their fixtures at their respective national stadiums. This request is contingent upon their qualification for the tournament. Each nation wants to showcase their own stadiums and provide their fans with the opportunity to support their team on home soil.
Non-English Venues Awarded Matches
The non-English venues awarded matches for Euro 2028 include Casement Park in Belfast, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow, and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. These venues will host a significant number of matches, providing fans from different parts of the British Isles the chance to experience the tournament.
Reactions from England Fans
The decision to host all matches at Wembley has sparked strong reactions from England fans. Many fans find it unfair and believe that it disregards the opportunity for fans from other regions to support their team. The prospect of traveling to London for every match is seen as inconvenient and disappointing for those who were hoping for a more diverse hosting experience.
Match Schedule and Qualification Process
A final decision on the match schedule for Euro 2028 will be made after next summer’s Euros. The qualification process for the tournament will also determine which teams will participate. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that all host nations want to go through qualifying, but UEFA will keep two spots open in reserve for any teams that fail to qualify.
Conclusion:
The FA’s request for Wembley to host all of England’s Euro 2028 fixtures has generated mixed reactions from fans. While some appreciate the commercial benefits, others express disappointment at the lack of diversity in hosting venues. The final decision on the match schedule will be made after next summer’s Euros, taking into account the qualification process.