The Three Lions will return to Wembley for the first time in 2020 with an international friendly against Wales in October.
Gareth Southgate’s seniors have added the fixture to their autumn schedule, which will now see us host our neighbours on Thursday 8 October (8pm kick-off).
In keeping with current Government guidelines, the game is scheduled to be played behind-closed-doors.
Our men’s seniors return to action this autumn to kick-start the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League campaign, as well as a further two internationals scheduled as part of triple headers in October and November.
And Ryan Giggs’ team will be the opponents at the start of the October window with England set for their first home fixture in 11 months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will also provide an opportunity for both UEFA EURO 2020 finalists to experience Wembley Stadium’s renovated facilities ahead of next summer’s rearranged tournament, in what will be their first visit to our national stadium since September 2011 when an Ashley Young goal proved to be the winner in a EURO 2012 qualifier.
The fixture will also allow the national team to formally pay tribute to England greats who have passed away over the last 12 months, notably 1966 World Cup-winning heroes Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Peter Bonetti and Martin Peters.
Wales are England’s second oldest opponents with 102 matches in total producing 67 wins, 21 draws and 14 defeats since our first encounter in 1879.
The most recent meeting was England’s 2-1 win in Lens, France at UEFA EURO 2016, when goals from Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge gave the Three Lions a dramatic victory.
Giggs will lead Wales to their third major tournament next summer following appearances at the 1958 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2016, where they made history by reaching the semi-finals.
Looking ahead to the autumn, England find themselves in Nations League Group A2 alongside Belgium, Denmark and Iceland with fixture dates as follows:
Saturday 5 September 2020 (5pm BST kick-off) – Iceland v England
Tuesday 8 September 2020 (7.45pm BST kick-off) – Denmark v England
Sunday 11 October 2020 (5pm BST kick-off) – England v Belgium
Wednesday 14 October 2020 (7.45pm BST kick-off) – England v Denmark
Sunday 15 November 2020 (7.45pm GMT kick-off) – Belgium v England
Wednesday 18 November 2020 (7.45pm GMT kick-off) – England v Iceland
Home fixtures will be staged at Wembley Stadium with away venues still to be confirmed and all fixtures are scheduled to be played behind closed doors for the foreseeable future.
We will continue to adhere to Government guidelines and liaise with relevant authorities, and supporters will be notified should arrangements change and tickets become available.
