The FA have announced that Old Trafford will host the opening game of the 2021 Women’s Euro that will take place from 7 July to 1 August. They have also announced the full schedule for the tournament including where England will play their three group games.
Phil Neville, England Women’s Head Coach said: “It doesn’t get much bigger than managing your country at a home EURO and to have the opportunity to do so at a stadium that holds so many memories for me is huge. Old Trafford has a special place in my heart, but it is also one of the country’s most iconic football grounds, so today’s announcement is a significant one for the tournament. I’m looking forward to kicking off our WEURO2021 campaign in Manchester and to offering fans across the country the chance to watch the elite women’s game on home turf next summer.”
With today marking 500 days to go until the action kicks off on 7 July 2021, The FA has released the full match schedule. It includes confirmation that England will open the tournament at the iconic 74,879 capacity venue in Greater Manchester, offering the host nation the opportunity to break the attendance record for a UEFA Women’s EURO in its opening fixture.
As tournament hosts, Phil Neville’s Lionesses qualify automatically and will complete their group stage fixtures in front of home crowds at a further two Premier League venues – Brighton & Hove’s Community Stadium and St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
Now in its 13th edition, the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 is poised to be the biggest women’s EURO to date, with over 700,000 tickets available to fans and extensive coverage of every game of the tournament available on free-to-air television, radio and online. Fans will be able to see some of the world’s best players in action on home soil as 31 matches are played across 26 days of competition.
It is important to note that the FA have organised the schedule in a cluster manner, which means the teams will not travel much in the Group stage, with all the group games being placed in the same area in England. The only exception being the home team that will play one game in the North before moving down the South until the semi-final, where they would head up north to Sheffiled again before finishing the tournament at Wembley Stadium if everything things go according to plans.
The FA have set-up an ambitious target to beat the attendance record at a Euro final (41 301) and also at the recent FIFA WWC final attendance (57 900). With Old Trafford’s capacity of 74 879 and Wembley at 90 000, it should be possible with the right promotion and pricing.