Article by Hannah Pinnock – @hannah_pinnock
England will open UEFA Women’s Euro 2021 at Old Trafford, kicking off on 7 July in what is intended to be a record-breaking tournament.
The iconic stadium in Greater Manchester has a capacity of 74,879, providing the opportunity to break the attendance record for a UEFA Women’s EURO game currently set at 41,301 in the 2013 final in Sweden.
The home of Manchester United is one of ten venues to host games throughout the tournament and the Lionesses will play their final two group stage fixtures at Brighton and Hove Community Stadium and St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane, Stadium MK, Leigh Sports Village, Brentford Community Stadium, Manchester City’s Academy Stadium and New York Stadium in Rotherham are the other grounds that will host matches during the tournament.
Phil Neville will return to his former home next summer, the England head coach said: “It doesn’t get much bigger than managing your country at a home EURO and 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.”
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England last hosted the Women’s Euros in 2005 when Germany won their sixth European title at Ewood Park in Blackburn.
2021 is shaping up to be the biggest Women’s Euros in history with over 700,000 tickets to be made available, a huge jump from the 240,000 sold at the 2017 tournament in Holland.
It will be the 13th edition of the UEFA Women’s Euros and only the second time 16 teams will be included.
Women’s football has gone from strength to strength in recent times and both the FA and UEFA are striving to deliver a tournament that will long be remembered as one of the biggest and most successful.
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s Director of Women’s Football said: “The confirmation of Old Trafford for England’s opening game shows just how big our aspirations for UEFA Women’s Euros 2021 are.
“As a proud host nation, our aim is not only to deliver a record-breaking tournament but also to ensure that it provides a tangible legacy in terms of growing the women’s game.
By inspiring fans both at home and abroad, and by committing to provide playing opportunities to girls in every school and club across the country, I am confident that we can do exactly that.
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