England to play at Wolves’ Molineux stadium for first time in more than 65 years

England men’s team will play at the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers for the first time in more than 65 years this summer with two UEFA Nations League fixtures to be played at Molineux.

Gareth Southgate’s side will take on Italy in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final at Molineux on Saturday, 11 June, and they will also face Hungary at the stadium on Tuesday, 14 June.

England’s meeting with the Italians on 11 June will be played behind closed doors, following sanctions imposed by UEFA, but the visit of Hungary (7.45pm kick-off) on 14 June will be open to supporters.

The senior men’s team have played at Molineux on four previous occasions with the last of those coming in December 1956 as the Three Lions tasted victory over Denmark in a 1958 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Molineux is also set to welcome England Women on Wednesday, 23 February, as the Lionesses complete their Arnold Clark Cup fixtures against Germany (7.30pm).

What’s been said following the announcement?

England head coach Southgate, said: “While Wembley is our home, we very much enjoy taking the squad on the road where possible, particularly in the run up to a major tournament.

“2022 promises to be an exciting adventure for England fans and it is great that one of English football’s famous stadiums will be a part of that.

“I know from my time in charge of the under-21s how much a Molineux crowd embraces the experience of international football, so we look forward to returning to Wolverhampton in June.”

Speaking to the official Wolverhampton Wanderers website, Matt Wild, Wolves’ general manager of football operations, said: “Following on from the success of the under-21 matches we hosted back in 2020 and the highly-anticipated England Women’s game next week, we’re delighted to have been given the opportunity to host the senior men’s side for two of their home Nations League fixtures.

“We’re proud that Molineux and Wolverhampton is establishing itself as an international sporting venue and we look forward to welcoming the England senior men’s team back to the city for the first time since 1956.

“The people of Wolverhampton have had to wait a long time to see the team in their city and many of our supporters would have never had the chance to watch the Three Lions at Molineux, so we are thrilled to be hosting these fixtures, as it will be a great occasion for the city, for the club and for supporters.”

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