Brief History of Bramall Lane’s England Importance | OneFootball

Tonight’s game between England and the Republic of Ireland like most of the Three Lions home fixtures will take place at Wembley.

However, in the last couple of centuries, the historical Bramall Lane has been host to England’s men’s, women’s and youth team matches.

England Men’s

England’s first game at Bramall Lane

On 10th March 1883, Bramall Lane hosted it’s first England game with the Three Lions facing Scotland. It is also believed to be the first England and Scotland game to be hosted outside of London and Glasgow.

Scotland won the game 3-2 with England’s goals coming from Clement Mitchell, 21 and William Nevill Cobbold, 20.

Cobbold rather fittingly as a goalscorer at Bramall Lane had a cricket career as well.

England’s first victory at Bramall Lane

On 5th February 1887, England got their first victory at the Lane. A 7-0 win over Ireland.

Cobbold got himself on the scoresheet again with a brace. Frederick Dewhurst, 23 also got a double. With the scoring rounded out by Tinsley Lindley OBE, given his honour for his future efforts during WWI, he bagged himself a hat-trick.

Most Recent England Men’s Game at Bramall Lane

On 20th October 1930, England beat Ireland 5-1 in front of a crowd of around 25,000 at the Lane.

The Starting XI for England was dominated by Yorkshire-based players with four representatives from Wednesday and two from Huddersfield Town.

Harry Burgess, 26, of Wednesday, scored a brace, with James Hampson, 24, Eric Houghton, 20, and Samuel Crooks, 22 also getting on the scoresheet.

England Women’s

England Vs. Sweden: Semi-Final of the UEFA Women’s Euros 2022

Undoubtedly, the most significant England international game to take place at Bramall Lane in recent memory. Arguably of all time.

The Lionesses secured a place in the 2022 Euros final by beating Sweden 4-0 on 26th July 2022.

The goals came from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby. Russo’s goal came from a now infamous backheel beating the keeper at the nearpost.

The victory saw the Lionesses reach a major tournament final for the first time since 2009.

Of course, the Lionesses headed to Wembley beating Germany to win the tournament. With Bramall Lane forever linked to the Lionesses’ triumph.

England Youth Teams

England U21s vs Germany U21s

The most recent England youth game staged at the Lane saw England U21s beat Germany U21s on 27th September 2022.

At the time of the match, four of the players were currently Blades. The three for England were James McAtee, Tommy Doyle, and Rhian Brewster who all came on as second-half substitutes. Germany started the game with Reda Khadra leading the line.

The Young Lions goalscorers were Folarin Balogun (now representing USA), Conor Gallagher and a pre-Chelsea Cole Palmer.

The Young Lions have been the most frequent visitors to Bramall Lane with the U21s also playing at the Blades’ home in March 2018 and August 2013. Where the Young Lions beat Ukraine and Scotland respectively with the latter seeing England beat Scotland 6-0.

Takeaways

Bramall Lane with its rich history has hosted some brilliant England games for the country’s various teams over the years.

With the men’s teams most recent visit being 94 years ago, it’s about time they returned to Beautiful Down Town Bramall Lane.

Although, we don’t have to wait long for the Lionesses’ return. Wiegman’s side’s final game of 2024 vs. Switzerland will be hosted at Bramall Lane on 3rd December 2024. The Lionesses first game at the Lane since the now infamous Euro’s semi-final.