Britain and Ireland are looking more and more likely to be the host nations of Euro 2028. It comes after Turkey decided to drop out if contention and put their name in with Italy to pitch for Euro 2032. The UK is no stranger to having hosted the Euros before as some matches were played in this country before, back in 2021, when Euro 2020 was finally played.
Hampden Park was used as one of the venues for the matches and Scotland managed to play two matches at the national stadium that summer. We had the pleasure of hosting the Czech Republic and Croatia. Unfortunately though, both games ended in defeat for Scotland and we faltered at the group stage of the competition.
20th June 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Euro 2024 Qualifier Football, Scotland versus Georgia; Callum McGregor of Scotland celebrates with his team mates after he shoots and scores to make it 1-0 to Scotland in the 6th minute
It was a wonderful experience though and the opportunity to play host again is not to be sniffed at. With more people set to be allowed as spectators this time around, following the Covid-19 rules that were still in place at that time, it should be even more atmospheric in and around Glasgow.
The financial impact that such an event can have for the city would also be most welcome. These days, we need that commerce wherever we can get it, and an event such as this would certainly provide a vital shot in the arm for the country, but particularly Glasgow. Ben Jacobs reported online via Twitter that the UK and Ireland are the only competitor now for Euro 2028, meaning the pathway is clear for it to be confirmed as official now.
20th June 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Euro 2024 Qualifier Football, Scotland versus Georgia; Callum McGregor of Scotland celebrates after he shoots and scores to make it 1-0 to Scotland in the 6th minute
He said: “UK and Ireland set to become the sole bidder for Euro 2028 pending compliance checks following a request by Italy and Turkey to bid for Euro 2032.”
Celtic Park of course should be one of the leading venues for this competition.
Paul Gillespie