The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland will be hosting the 2028 European Championship.
The winning bid, which was confirmed at a UEFA meeting in Switzerland on October 1st, was unopposed following Turkey’s withdrawal from the process last week.
Turkey has since partnered with reigning European champion Italy to co-host the 2032 edition of the tournament. The Euro 2028 matches will be held at 10 stadiums, including Wembley in London, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
While England manager Gareth Southgate has expressed excitement about the opportunity, the five nations will be under pressure to deliver a successful tournament, particularly after the chaotic scenes at Wembley two years ago before the Euros final between Italy and England.
A total of 10 venues spanning five countries, namely England, the Republic of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, have been officially selected to host the forthcoming competition.
Among these venues, six are situated in England, namely Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park, Villa Park, and Bramley-Moore Dock, the proposed new stadium for Everton Football Club.
England will seek to rectify their past failures and claim the trophy that has eluded them for many years. In their most recent attempt, they experienced the familiar agony of defeat in a penalty shootout, as Italy emerged victorious and secured the Euro 2020 crown at Wembley.
Amidst an atmosphere filled with anticipation, tension, and heartbreak, England initially appeared on track to experience their most joyous day since July 30, 1966, when Luke Shaw provided them with the perfect start just two minutes into the match.
However, Italy, who had remained unbeaten in 33 matches leading up to the final, gradually regained their footing and equalized in the 67th minute through Leonardo Bonucci, capitalizing on a rebound from Marco Verratti’s header that was initially saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Following a tense period of extra time that failed to produce a winner, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, resulting in bitter disappointment for England manager Gareth Southgate and his players. Despite entering the final with high expectations and intense emotions, England missed three of their five penalties, with Marcus Rashford hitting the post and Gianluigi Donnarumma denying Jadon Sancho.
Then Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka, who displayed immense courage by stepping up to take a penalty, was also unfortunate as the formidable Italy goalkeeper saved his spot-kick. While Harry Kane and Harry Maguire successfully converted their penalties for England, Pickford’s saves from Andrea Belotti and Jorginho kept their hopes alive.
However, Domenico Berardi, Bonucci, and Federico Bernardeschi all scored for Italy. The tearful 19-year-old Saka, who exhibited great bravery, received consolation from his teammates and manager. Nevertheless, there was no solace for them or the expectant fans who filled Wembley Stadium.
