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England’s men’s team will commence their Euro 2028 adventure at the the home of Manchester City, assuming they secure the relatively straightforward entry for a competition staged throughout the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not staged an England men’s match since May 2016, when the Turkish team were defeated 2-1 in a friendly, but is highly likely to welcome the Three Lions for their inaugural game on a Saturday in June 2028.

The English side are scheduled to play their last two group stage games at Wembley Stadium, but, should they win Group B, their round of 16 match would be held at the Newcastle stadium. Finishing second would mean beginning the playoffs at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Tournament Launch and Protest

The tournament was launched at an ceremony in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. Senior figures from Uefa and the organizing bodies were heckled as they entered the site by approximately 50 protesters, who urged Israel’s national side to be removed from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

Banners were raised with phrases saying “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists shouted: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Fixture List

The opening game of the tournament will be played at the the national stadium of Wales in Cardiff, on Friday 9 June, a match that will feature Wales if they qualify.

The national stadium will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be played on a Sunday in July 2028 with a start time at late afternoon.

It is hoped that an earlier kick-off, which will also be adopted for UEFA Champions League finals from the upcoming season, will cater to households and help connect with a broader range of viewers.

Participating Countries

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play their first game at the Dublin stadium and the Scottish team would follow suit at Hampden Park.

All four host countries’ teams will enter the qualification process; two reserved places will be set aside for any that miss out on the finals through that route.

Stadiums and Elimination Phase

Villa Park and Spurs’ ground finalize the nine host stadiums. Each one will hold at least one knockout match, with the last eight held at the national stadium of each host.

The draw for the qualifiers will be held in the Northern Irish capital, which was dropped as a tournament location last year when it was revealed the proposed venue could not be upgraded in time, on December 6, 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the fans and a celebration of everything we value about the football – its passion and ability to foster unity.”

In excess of three million admissions, a unprecedented number for a UEFA European Championship, are expected to be released to attendees.