England v Republic of Ireland

Behind Closed Doors

England v Republic of Ireland

Behind Closed Doors

England men are to face Republic of Ireland next month after New Zealand withdrew from the originally scheduled fixture at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.
 

Gareth Southgate’s squad will take on the Irish on Thursday 12 November ahead of their last two UEFA Nations League Group A2 fixtures away to Belgium on 15 November and home to Iceland on 18 November. 
 
New Zealand had to cancel their participation due to uncertainty regarding squad selection created by the shifting nature of travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
In keeping with current guidelines, this game is scheduled to be played behind-closed-doors, although The FA has committed to working with the Government to get supporters back in stadiums as soon as possible.
England’s last meeting with Republic of Ireland was a goalless draw in Dublin in June 2015 with the most recent Wembley fixture between the two sides finishing 1-1 in May 2013 as part of The FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations. 

 
In June, the FIFA Council approved for this year’s October and November international windows to be extended to allow all UEFA nations to play three games to cover for the postponement of fixtures in March owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Three Lions remaining 2020 fixtures are as follows: 

Thursday 12 November 2020 (8pm GMT kick-off) – England v Republic of Ireland
Sunday 15 November 2020 (7.45pm GMT kick-off) – Belgium v England
Wednesday 18 November 2020 (7.45pm GMT kick-off) – England v Iceland
 
Both home games will be staged at Wembley with the trip to Belgium due to be played at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
 
With all fixtures scheduled to be played behind-closed-doors for the foreseeable future, The FA will continue to adhere to Government guidelines and liaise with relevant authorities. Supporters will be notified should arrangements change and tickets become available.