Yahoo Finance Euro 2020: England get Wembley fixture boost for potential final run
England could play just one game away from Wembley en route to the final of Euro 2020, with the FA given Dublin's last-16 tie today.
UEFA's Executive Committee met this morning to ratify the schedule for the delayed tournament after the original 12 host cities submitted plans for the return of supporters.
Dublin's Aviva Stadium was due to host three Group E matches between Poland, Slovakia and Sweden from June 14, followed by a last-16 tie.
But the Republic of Ireland have been unable to commit to hosting fans, meaning they have lost their fixtures.
Wembley will host the last-16 tie, leaving England will have another home match should they win Group D, while the group stage games handed to St. Petersburg, Russia.
Sevilla will take on the games originally planned for Bilbao, meaning Spain will not lose out.
UEFA have confirmed that all tickets for games which have now been re-located will be cancelled and those who had purchased them refunded fully. Should any of those who held a ticket for those games want to purchase another, they will have priority access.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “We have been working diligently with the host associations and local authorities to ensure a safe and festive environment at the games and I am really pleased that we are able to welcome spectators at all matches for a celebration of national team football across the continent.”
Ceferin added: “UEFA wishes to express its appreciation and gratitude to the cities of Bilbao and Dublin - both of which are considered as good venues to host future UEFA events - the national and regional governments of Spain and the Republic of Ireland, and all local stakeholders for their dedication, professionalism and efforts over the past years.
“UEFA would also like to thank the Football Association of Ireland and its dedicated staff for their excellent collaboration and hard work, and is looking forward to continuing to work with the remaining 11 host associations in delivering EURO 2020 matches.”
England are already playing their three group stage games at Wembley, with the national stadium also hosting the semi-finals and final. Should they win Group D, Gareth Southgate's side will travel to Rome for the quarter-finals.
There is immense goodwill towards the FA from UEFA this week following the work of CEO Mark Bullingham in helping thwart the Super League proposals.
Read More
Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden can star for England at Euro 2020 after outshining Erling Haaland
Euro 2020: Trafalgar Square fan park proposed to show all England matches this summer
