Villa Park will stage England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra | OneFootball

England’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Andorra will be staged at Villa Park on Saturday, September 6 (kick-off 5.00 pm).

The fixture will be the Three Lions’ fourth on the road to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Aston Villa’s stadium last staged a senior men’s international in February 2005, when England drew 0-0 with the Netherlands.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are also scheduled to play Senegal in a friendly at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Tuesday, June 10.

“We are excited to play at Villa Park – another stadium full of history,” Tuchel said.

“I know from my own visits to the stadium this season that it is capable of creating an outstanding atmosphere and is located close to St George’s Park, which is a positive for our preparation.

“We hope to be able to generate another special atmosphere and create a memorable occasion for all fans.”

Fans will welcome the England roadshow

Many England fans believe the national team should play more competitive games away from Wembley Stadium.

From January 1966 until June 1995, England didn’t play a true home match at any other venue.

The thrilling 3-3 Umbro Cup draw against Sweden at Elland Road was a warm-up for the 1996 European Championship.

England have played sporadically on the road since then, staging games at several stadiums including Old Trafford and the Stadium of Light.

However, the Three Lions have been tied to Wembley in recent years to help the Football Association recoup the costs of rebuilding the stadium.

With the debt no longer in the equation, the pathway is clear for England games to be staged elsewhere in the country.

Manchester City’s ticket sales for their recent FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest highlighted how fans in the north have become disillusioned with trips to Wembley.

England’s upcoming fixtures at the City Ground and Villa Park will hopefully be the catalyst for adopting a different approach over the next few years.