If you cast your minds back to June 2021, you’ll remember the summer of fun (for football fans, anyway) kicking off with the belated Euro 2020 tournament commencing.
Though it ended in heartbreak for England, as they were knocked out by Italy on penalties in the the final, that didn’t stop the country enjoying the best run in a major tournament since 1966.
Following an extensive feasibility study, we can confirm we have agreed to focus on a bid to host UEFA EURO 2028 along with the @IrishFA, @ScottishFA, @FAWales and @FAIreland.
Find out more here:
— The FA (@FA) February 7, 2022
With the added bonus of all but one England match being played in Wembley Stadium, many got their first ever taste of what it would feel like to be a host nation. And, fast forward six years from now, this could be on the cards once more.
Earlier today (February 7), the English FA confirmed a bid alongside Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic Of Ireland to host the tournament in 2028 would go ahead. Scotland also got a taste of hosting games last summer, but for the latter three, this would mark their first ever hosting rights for a major tournament in football.
In this bid, however, the nations collectively agreed to not place a move for the 2030 World Cup tournament, saying: “On balance, the five associations have decided to focus solely on an official bid to host UEFA EURO 2028, and have agreed not to bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”.
“Hosting a UEFA EURO offers a similar return on investment, with the European tournament carrying a far lower delivery cost and the potential of the benefits being realised sooner.
“It would be an honour and a privilege to collectively host UEFA EURO 2028 and to welcome all of Europe. It would also be a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the true impact of hosting a world-class football tournament by driving positive change and leaving a lasting legacy across our communities.
“We believe the UK and the Republic of Ireland can offer UEFA and European football something special in 2028 – a compact and unique five-way hosting collaboration that will provide a great experience for the teams and the fans.”
A deadline for bidders is marked for March 23, with an official announcement on each nation making a move to host the tournament expected on April 5. The final announcement on the hosts of Euro 2028 is slated to be made in September 2023.