The UK and Ireland successfully secured the bid to host Euro 2028, with UEFA confirming their joint proposal. But while excitement might have been expected to rise following the official announcement of the chosen venues \u2014 including where England will play their group matches if they qualify \u2014 the overall reaction has been rather muted.<\/p>\n
Wembley Stadium will once again take the spotlight, staging the final and several key knockout fixtures. Other selected venues include Glasgow\u2019s Hampden Park, Dublin\u2019s Aviva Stadium, and the modern grounds of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. If England qualify directly, their opening games under Thomas Tuchel are expected to take place at Manchester City\u2019s Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n
However, two of the nation\u2019s most famous football arenas \u2014 Liverpool\u2019s Anfield and Manchester United\u2019s Old Trafford \u2014 have both been left off the list. While their absence initially raised eyebrows, clear reasons have now been given for each.<\/p>\n
Why Anfield Missed Out<\/p>\n
Anfield\u2019s omission is mainly down to UEFA\u2019s strict pitch-size requirements. To host matches in the tournament, the playing surface must measure 105 metres by 68 metres. Unfortunately, Anfield falls short by about four metres, with its stands positioned too close to the field to allow any expansion.<\/p>\n
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, this issue has long limited the ground\u2019s eligibility to host major finals, such as the Champions League or Europa League, and explains why England\u2019s national team hasn\u2019t played there since 2006.<\/p>\n
Anfield last featured in an international tournament during Euro 1996, when it hosted several group games and a quarter-final. This time, Merseyside\u2019s representation will instead come from Everton\u2019s new 52,769-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium.<\/p>\n
Though smaller in size, it meets UEFA\u2019s technical standards, and most Liverpool fans are unlikely to be too concerned, given the city\u2019s limited enthusiasm for international fixtures.<\/p>\n
Why Old Trafford Was Dropped<\/p>\n
Old Trafford, meanwhile, was excluded for entirely different reasons. Despite its rich history and global fame, Manchester United\u2019s home has been showing its age in recent years, with ongoing complaints about outdated facilities and viral clips of its leaky roof.<\/p>\n
Initially included in the FA\u2019s proposal, the stadium was later withdrawn due to uncertainty surrounding its future redevelopment. The Manchester Evening News reported that after discussions between United and the FA, both sides agreed to remove Old Trafford from the final list, as it was unclear whether the ground would be ready in time for the tournament.<\/p>\n
United are currently exploring an ambitious overhaul of the entire site, with plans for a brand-new, world-class stadium potentially accommodating up to 100,000 spectators. However, no fixed timeline has been set, leaving its completion date unknown.<\/p>\n
In short, while Anfield\u2019s absence comes down to physical limitations, Old Trafford\u2019s stems from long-term rebuilding plans. Both clubs will still play a part in England\u2019s footballing landscape \u2014 just not as Euro 2028 hosts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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