England to host Women's 2021 European Championships

The Football Association was the only bidder to stage the competition but was nonetheless required to meet strict guidelines

As hosts, England will automatically qualify for the 2021 competition (Getty Images)

England will host the 2021 Women’s European Championships, Uefa has announced.

The Football Association was the only bidder to stage the 16-team competition but was nonetheless required to meet strict guidelines, laid out by Uefa, with regards to their proposal.

Unlike the 2005 edition, which was held exclusively within England’s north-west region, the tournament is set to be played in eight cities across the country this time around.

Wembley will stage the final, which will be played in July 2021 – one year on from the conclusion of the men’s 2020 European Championships.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn said in a statement: “Bringing Euro 2021 to England will be a tremendous opportunity to celebrate women’s football and will allow us to amplify our significant commitment to growing the game.

“We cannot underestimate the positive impact this tournament will have on inspiring the next generation.”

Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “This is fantastic news for the FA, the country and, crucially, for the future development of girls’ and women’s football in England.

“A home Euro in 2021 has the potential to be a pivotal moment in the development of the women’s game in England.”

Proposed venues

• Brighton & Hove (Brighton Community Stadium)
• London (Brentford Community Stadium & Wembley Stadium – final only)
• Manchester (Manchester City Academy Stadium)
• Milton Keynes (Stadium MK)
• Nottingham (City Ground)
• Rotherham (New York Stadium)
• Sheffield (Bramall Lane)
• Southampton (St Mary’s Stadium)

Sports minister Mims Davies said: “Playing host to the European Championships will give us a new platform to inspire the nation and a new generation of young footballers.”

As hosts, England automatically qualify for the competition. The remaining 15 spots for the finals will be determined by the qualifying group stages, which take place from August 2019 to September 2020.

England reached the semi-finals of Euro 2017, losing 3-0 to eventual winners Netherlands.

Ahead of Euro 2021, Phil Neville’s side travel to France next summer for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, followed by Tokyo 2020.

England are currently ranked by Fifa as the third best team in the world, behind USA and Germany.