'Vote of confidence' Man City could host England game in Euro 2028 package

Manchester City's stadium will host multiple games in Euro 2028, which could include the England team

Manchester City could host an England game at Euro 2028 as part of the club's ambitious plans for the Etihad.

The stadium has already been listed as one of six in England to host games during the European Championship in two-and-a-half years, and the Manchester Evening News revealed last month that it would host multiple games. With the expansion of the North Stand set to be completed in 2026, it means hundreds of thousands of tickets will be available for games in Manchester during the international tournament.

England will play most of their games at Wembley - as they did at Euro 2020 - but the Mail reported on Tuesday that the Etihad has been picked to host one of their three group games. City sources refused to comment on the story, but Manchester has plenty going for it in any decisions on another venue ahead of the full schedule of Euro 2028 that is expected to be announced next week.

As well as the footballing culture and facilities, one of the country's major cities has won praise across the political spectrum for the public transport improvements and the fact it is used to hosting regular music events for tens of thousands of people means there is plenty of affordable accommodation.

City recently hosted the Lionesses against Brazil in their first game since winning the Euros, and the expansion of the stadium will make the Etihad an option for UEFA for future finals in European club competitions.

"What better vote of confidence for the city than a football club that play in and host high-profile matches?" City's managing director of operations Danny Wilson told the Manchester Evening News last month.

"We've had the MTV Music awards at Co-op Live, the Brits are coming there next year for the first time ever outside of London, NBA is coming in 2027, we're back in the concert game, we 've got games at the Euros in 2028, and there's other sporting events that we're looking at and bidding for working with the city.

"It's not just about the site and the venues and how they benefit, it's the wider economic benefits to the city of people coming in and eating in the restaurants in the day, staying in hotels, and I think it's great for Manchester.

"The more events you get, the more people you get into the city, the more the economy starts to thrive, the more jobs that come and for our ambition to become a destination open every single day of the year you do need more people.

"Our commitment is to find jobs for local people, to reskill, upskill and cross-skill to give them opportunities. There are a lot of positive benefits, not just it being great for the football club."

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