December 4 – UEFA has awarded the hosting of the Women’s Euro 2021 to England who were the only bidders for the tournament that was last held in France in 2017.
England reached the semi-finals in 2017 losing to eventual winners Netherlands. England last hosted the tournament in 2005.
The 2021 tournament will see 16 teams compete with the final top be played at Wembley.
The other cities and stadiums to be used are Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium, Brentford’s Community Stadium, MK Dons’ Stadium MK, Manchester City’s Academy Stadium, Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, Rotherham’s New York Stadium, Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane and Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium.
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “This is fantastic news for the FA, the country and, crucially, for the future development of girls’ and women’s football in England.
“A home Euro in 2021 has the potential to be a pivotal moment in the development of the women’s game in England.”
The FA has worked hard at reorganising the women’s game in England with revamped professional leagues and club criteria as well as a host of initiatives to get girls playing.
“Bringing Euro 2021 to England will be a tremendous opportunity to celebrate women’s football and will allow us to amplify our significant commitment to growing the game,” said FA chief executive Martin Glenn,
“We cannot underestimate the positive impact this tournament will have on inspiring the next generation.”
The 2021 bid was part of the FA’s ‘game plan for growth’ strategy. “In January, we pledged an additional £50 million investment over the next six years and grassroots initiatives like our popular SSE Wildcats scheme for 5 to 11-year-old girls has seen the number of centres more than quadruple over the past year to 880,” said Glenn.
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