Euro 2020 - Middlesbrough to host England's warm-up friendlies against Austria and Romania

ByRichard Newman

Updated 07/04/2021 at 11:01 GMT

The Riverside Stadium will be the venue for matches against Austria (June 2) and Romania (June 6), with Wembley out of use while it is prepared for the European Championships. Gareth Southgate's squad will use nearby Rockliffe Hall as their training base for the games, before moving back to St George's Park.

Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium has been picked as the venue for England's warm-up fixtures for the delayed European Championships.

Gareth Southgate's side will face Austria (June 2, 8pm) and Romania (June 6, 5pm) at the Championship club's stadium, basing themselves at the nearby Rockliffe Hall as their training base for both matches.

'Great reaction from Stones' - Maguire lauds England team-mate

Football

Dele Alli sets sights on 2026 World Cup - 'Light at the end of the tunnel'

16/04/2024 at 16:41

With Wembley preparing to host games at the Euros, the squad needed to go on the road again, and the decision has been made to select one destination to help create a Covid-secure environment.

England have previously played in Manchester, Sunderland, Leeds, Leicester and Southampton since 2016, and fans are likely to be able to attend the match in the north east. According to the government's 'roadmap' out of lockdown, up to 10,000 spectators will be able to attend fixtures from May 17, although this is yet to be confirmed.

• Opinion: Foden and Bellingham prove England’s future is now
• Southgate: England still have a 'step to go' before Euros

Southgate's squad will complete their preparations for the tournament in Middlesbrough before relocating to their usual base at St George's Park, which will be their home for the duration of the Euros.

Southgate praises Stones 'composure' after error against Poland

Middlesbrough has previously hosted England teams, most recently the women's side's 2-1 defeat by Brazil in October 2019, while the senior men's team last played there in June 2003 - a 2-1 Euro 2004 qualifying victory over Slovakia.

Euro 2024

Dier eyes place in England squad at Euro 2024 - 'I'm that level of a player'

09/04/2024 at 17:13

Premier League

Mainoo 'will be crucial for England this year' - Cole

04/04/2024 at 20:30

Premier League

'Wonderful talent' Palmer 'could be another weapon' for England - Ferdinand

04/04/2024 at 19:52