England Women will take to the pitch at the new Wembley Stadium for the first time in November.
The Lionesses play Germany in an international on Sunday 23 November.
England v Germany
Women's international
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Sunday 23 November 2014
Fixture subject to Germany's World Cup qualification
England will be celebrating their qualification for next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, which takes place in Canada.
They beat Wales 4-0 in Cardiff on Thursday night to secure top spot in Group 6 and their place at the 2015 tournament, following goals from Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Laura Bassett and Lianne Sanderson.
Current European champions Germany, who are second in the FIFA world rankings, will provide a tough test for Mark Sampson’s England side as they begin their preparations for the World Cup.
Sampson said: “It’s a really exciting opportunity for the team to take on the European Champions. To test ourselves against teams of Germany’s calibre is important for the development of the team in the lead up to the World Cup.
“Everyone at the FA has worked really hard to give the team the opportunity to play at the home of football and it’s fantastic that we’re getting the chance to do so.
"This is something many people within the women’s football community have hoped for and now it is a reality, it really will be an historic milestone and platform from the women’s game in England.
“I really hope that supporters and football fans will come together to celebrate a fantastic occasion and cheer on the team.”
The game will be the first women’s football match at Wembley Stadium since the 2012 London Olympic Games. The match is a reciprocal agreement, and England will travel to Germany for a return fixture.
Kelly Simmons, FA director of national game and women’s football, said: “The FA has been working to bring a women’s game to Wembley for some time now and we feel, with qualification secured and the growing interest and momentum around the women’s game, there has never been a better time for England Women to play here.
“Having women’s football matches at Wembley during the Olympics has had a massive impact on the women’s game here, and I know was a really inspiring time for the players.
Steph Houghton scores for Team GB against Brazil at Wembley Stadium
“It’s a great opportunity for fans to come and celebrate World Cup qualification with the team and for the players to play at the home of football, which will hopefully help prepare them to do well on the world stage next summer.”
England captain Steph Houghton, who scored for Team GB in their 1-0 Olympics win over Brazil at Wembley, said: “Playing for your country at Wembley is what you dream of as a child and it’s so exciting to know that we’re going to be stepping out onto the pitch at Wembley again and this time in an England shirt.
“Bringing a women’s match to Wembley is such a huge platform for us as footballers and for the game in general. Our Team GB match here at London 2012 really helped to promote women’s football and hopefully this game will do the same.
“Speaking with the girls, we can’t wait to play at Wembley and in a really competitive match against Germany, who are an excellent side. Hopefully we’ll have a big crowd and a great atmosphere.”
Tickets details for the match, which is subject to Germany’s qualification for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will follow. For more information please visit www.thefa.com/womens.
