While it’s still almost 10 weeks away, football’s coming home this year, as England are the host nation of the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament. The groups may not have been fully confirmed, given Russia’s expulsion, but there has been further controversy, with the choice of venues that will stage the competition.
Last month, UEFA confirmed the schedule and the 10 stadiums – which are dotted around the country in eight different cities. With UEFA rules forbidding standing areas, some of the smaller capacity stadiums are being reduced further – and already, there are many fixtures which have sold out.
Those choosing to bet on football online surely could not have predicted or even believed the selection – given there are 92 Football League clubs to choose from. However, read on as we guide you through the hosts of this summer’s tournament.
Old Trafford, Manchester
Home to Manchester United, the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ will only be hosting the opening match, as England play Austria in Group A. In the past, it has hosted many national and international tournaments – including Euro ’96 and the 2003 Champions League Final. With a capacity of over 74,000, it’s among the largest stadiums hosting the tournament.
Wembley Stadium, London
Surely, there’s nowhere more fitting for a big-stage final than the national stadium? With a capacity of 90,000, Wembley is the largest stadium in the UK and the second-largest in Europe. Part of English football’s heritage, as the host of the FA Cup final, as well as other major games, including the Football League and National League play-off finals, Wembley will solely be hosting the Euro 2022 final, which is already sold out!
St Mary’s, Southampton
With an all-seated capacity of over 32,000, St Mary’s – home to Premier League club Southampton – will be hosting three games in Group A, including a clash of the home nations when Northern Ireland face England in their final match. St Mary’s has hosted international football before, with England’s women beating Macedonia 8-0 on the south coast, in a 2023 World Cup qualifier last year.
Community Stadium, Brighton & Hove
Also staging Group A matches is Brighton & Hove Albion’s stadium, the Community Stadium. With a capacity of just under 32,000, Norway will be playing two of their group matches there, including their fixture with England. The stadium will also host a quarter-final match – with the winner of Group A facing the runner-up of Group B. The Community Stadium previously hosted two matches in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Stadium: MK, Milton Keynes
Built in 2008, Stadium: MK is where both MK Dons (of League One) and MK Dons Women play their home matches – and it will be hosting big-stage football again. Previously staging the 2014 FA Women’s Cup final, in which Arsenal beat Everton, as well as international friendlies for the men’s side, the stadium will be hosting three group games and the second semi-final.
Brentford Community Stadium, London
This is the newest stadium on our list – opened in 2020 – and the new home of Premier League club, Brentford. The stadium has a capacity of 17,250 and can host both football and rugby matches, as it is also the home of the London Irish. Three Group B games will be played there, including two involving Spain – the outright favourites according to Women’s Euros betting – as well as a quarter-final. It will mark the first time that international football has been played at the west London ground.
Leigh Sports Village, Manchester
Leigh Sports Village is one of two stadiums which is having their official capacity decreased for the tournament – and the stadium is being restricted to 8,100 spectators (from 12,000). The stadium hosts Rugby League side Leigh Centurions, as well as two of Manchester United’s youth teams, and Manchester United WFC. It will host three matches in Group C, as well as a quarter-final.
Bramall Lane, Sheffield
Bramall Lane – home to EFL Championship club, Sheffield United – is one of the oldest stadiums on this list. Originally opened in 1855, it lays claim to hosting the final of the world’s first football tournament, the Youdan Cup – and has been the venue of choice for many major sporting events over the years. At Euro 2022, the 32,000 capacity stadium will host three group games and the first semi-final.
Academy Stadium, Manchester
The smallest venue on our list with a capacity of 7,000 – which is being reduced to 4,700, due to UEFA rules on safe standing – the Academy Stadium forms part of the Etihad Campus. It is the home of Manchester City’s EDS and Academy squads, as well as Manchester City WFC, and will only be hosting three fixtures in Group D at Euro 2022. It is the most contentious choice on this list, and having been announced as the location for two of Iceland’s matches, is the one that midfielder Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir described as “embarrassing” and “disrespectful”.
New York Stadium, Rotherham
Opened in 2012, the New York Stadium is home to Football League club, Rotherham United – and has an all-seater capacity of 12,000. In 2016, the South Yorkshire venue hosted a Women’s Euro 2017 qualifier, and due to a crowd of over 10,000, has gone on to host further England Women’s matches. At Euro 2022, it will host three group games and one quarter-final.