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England’s men’s team will embark on their UEFA Euro 2028 adventure at the Manchester City’s stadium, assuming they achieve the relatively straightforward passage for a championship taking place in the bulk of Britain and the Irish Republic.

The Etihad Stadium has not hosted an England men’s fixture since eight years ago, when Turkey were defeated 2-1 in a warm-up game, but is expected to stage the Three Lions for their first match on June 10, 2028.

England are scheduled to play their concluding group fixtures at Wembley, but, should they win their group, their knockout stage opener would be held at Newcastle’s St James’ Park. Finishing second would mean commencing the elimination stage at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Championship Opening and Demonstration

The championship was launched at an gathering in Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday night. High-ranking officials from European football’s governing body and the host FAs were confronted as they approached the venue by approximately 50 protesters, who demanded the Israeli team to be expelled from global football because of the situation in Gaza.

Banners were raised with slogans reading “Show Israel the red card” and “You are complicit”, while activists called out: “Kick Israel out.”

Tournament Schedule

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

Wembley will host the penultimate rounds and the championship match, which will be held on Sunday 9 July 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 following campaign, will cater to households and help engage a broader range of audiences.

Participating Countries

The Ireland are due to play their first game at the Dublin Arena and the Scottish team would do the same at Hampden Park.

Each host nation’s squad will take part in the preliminary stage; two automatic spots will be held in reserve for any that do not reach the tournament through the standard process.

Locations and Elimination Phase

Aston Villa’s stadium and Spurs’ ground complete the nine tournament locations. All will hold at least one playoff fixture, with the quarter-finals played at the national stadium of each host.

The qualification draw will be conducted in Belfast, which was excluded as a venue city last year when it emerged the Belfast stadium could not be upgraded in time, on a date in late 2026.

Official Statement

“It will be a championship for the followers and a showcase of everything we cherish about the game – its fervor and ability to unite individuals.”

More than three million passes, a unprecedented number for a men’s European Championship, are anticipated to be made available to supporters.