Southgate heads back to Boro for England’s Euro 2020 warm-ups
England will prepare for their shot at European Championship glory in Middlesbrough.
With Wembley handed overtoUEFAatthestartofJune ahead of the tournament, GarethSouthgate’smenareheading on the road in the build-up to Euro 2020.
England will play their group matches in the capital and be based at St George’s Park for the tournament, but the preparation camp and warm-upfriendlieswillbeheld in Middlesbrough.
Southgate skippered Boro to Carling Cup glory in 2004 – the club’s first-ever major trophy – and the UEFA Cup final two years later, before spending a three-year stint as manager there up until 2009.
The England boss will return to his old stomping ground,withtheRiversideStadium hosting the Euro warmup fixtures against Austria on
June 2 and Romania on June 6.
The Teesside double-header could also see the Three Lions host fans for the first time since the 7-0 Euros qualification win against Montenegro atWembleyinNovember2019.
“Should it be deemed safe for fans to attend these forthcoming fixtures then any ticketing arrangements will be communicated via The FA and not Middlesbrough,” the FA said.
“The FA will continue to liaise with relevant authorities and explore the possibility of supporters being in attendance.”
England have played in Manchester, Sunderland, Leeds, Leicester and Southampton since 2016.
The Riverside Stadium, which was opened in 1995, has only once previously hosted the men’s senior team, when Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side beatSlovakia2-1inaEuro2004 qualifier in June 2003.
*Derby are on the verge of being sold just a month after scrapping takeover talks with Bin Zayed International.
The Rams have confirmed they have reached an agreement with No Limits Sports Limited. They ended plans to sell to Bin Zayed International in March but are close with a new buyer, subject to EFL approval.
A statement read: “Derby CountyFootballClubwishesto confirmthatadefinitiveagreement to purchase the club has been reached with No Limits Sports Limited.
“The transaction, which is stillsubjecttotheEFL’sOwners and Directors Test approval, is expectedtocloseinthenearfuture. As agreed with No Limits Sports there will be no further commentuntilthetransaction is complete.”