Elland Road is set to be used to host an England fixture for the first time in over 15 years this summer, with Gareth Southgate’s side set to host Costa Rica in a friendly prior to the World Cup in Russia, reports the Daily Mail.
The last time Elland Road, home of Sky Bet Championship side, Leeds United, hosted an England fixture was back in 2002, when England hosted Italy in a friendly, whilst Wembley was rebuilt.
Gareth Southgate’s side will play two friendlies prior to their World Cup campaign this summer, facing Nigeria at Wembley on June 2nd, before heading to the north to take on Costa Rica at Elland Road on June 7th, which will be England’s final warm-up game ahead of the summer’s main event in Russia.
Having secured qualification to the World Cup in early October, England faced Germany and Brazil in November, recording goalless draws with two of the favourites for success in Russia this summer.
The next time Southgate’s squad will link-up will be in March, when friendlies with the Netherlands and Italy are arranged.
England found out who they would face in the Group Stage of the World Cup in late 2017, with the Three Lions drawn against Belgium, Tunisia and Panama.
The Verdict
It has been a long time since Elland Road hosted an international fixture, and this news is a great boost for Leeds United.
International football has been played in the south for too long now, and it is good for the north of England to host a game, particularly in the build-up to the World Cup.
Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!