FA would love a full Wembley

THE Football Association is hoping Wembley can be at its full 90,000 capacity for the Euro 2020 final, but accepts 45,000 might be a more realistic target.

The national stadium was awarded an extra match yesterday when UEFA handed it Dublin’s last-16 tie, after stripping the Irish capital of all four matches it was due to host. The authorities in Ireland could not provide UEFA with minimum capacity guarantees amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision means if England win their group they will play their first four matches of the tournament at home, before travelling to Rome for the quarterfinals.

It is understood Newcastle’s St James’ Park was in contention to host games with the Government’s backing, but UEFA opted to give Dublin’s group matches to the Russian city of St Petersburg where the minimum guarantee is already set at 50 per cent capacity.

The FA has guaranteed a minimum of 25 per cent capacity for England’s group games at Wembley but is confident of going significantly higher for the knockout stages.

“We have got until June 2 to tell UEFA what our numbers can be for the round of 16, semi-finals and final,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said.

“Our hope is that we will be 50 per cent full for those games, but clearly that’s not our decision, that’s for the authorities to make.

“From our perspective we think 50 per cent might be more realistic at the moment, but if the situation improves I would love the final to be full. We want as many fans as possible to be able to experience the Euros.”

Wembley is due to welcome 21,000 fans for the FA Cup final on May 15.