WITH ONE YEAR TO GO UNTIL EURO2020 COMES TO LONDON, RIO FERDINAND JOINS AS AMBASSADOR

The FA and London have today marked one year to go until the start of UEFA EURO 2020, announcing Rio Ferdinand as its lead ambassador and encouraging fans up and down the country to ‘be part of it.’

Marking Rio’s appointment, his favourite memories of the EUROs were projected under Wembley’s iconic arch. Moments included Antonin Panenka’s winning penalty for Czechoslovakia in 1976, Marco Van Basten’s volley for Holland in 1988, Paul Gascoigne’s famous EURO ’96 goal against Scotland and Portugal’s jubilation following their 2016 victory. 

Rio Ferdinand said, “It’s an honour to be named as the UEFA EURO 2020 ambassador for the tournament in England. The EUROs have been responsible for some of the most iconic moments in football history and I can’t wait to see more take place at Wembley and across Europe next summer. Whether it’s through applying to be a volunteer, dusting off your boots, attending a game or just enjoying the atmosphere, it will be a summer to remember – make sure you’re part of it.”

12 June also marks the official opening of the application window for the UEFA EURO 2020 Volunteer Programme, giving fans the opportunity to play their part in delivering the tournament at Wembley Stadium and across London. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “As a huge football fan, I am so excited that London is hosting seven games at UEFA EURO 2020 next summer. It shows that London provides the perfect stage for some of the world’s greatest football talent and is open to fans from all over Europe.

We are determined to make London the most inclusive and engaging location of all the host cities and we want people from across the capital and the country to get involved – not only as spectators, but as volunteers and ambassadors for our city. There are exciting volunteering roles for everyone, so if you want to play a vital role in ensuring everyone has an unforgettable summer of football, please sign up to our volunteering programme.

In its 60th anniversary year, UEFA EURO 2020 will be the biggest and most inclusive celebration of European football in history, with the tournament shared by 12 cities across Europe. Wembley Stadium will welcome over 600,000 fans when it hosts seven games next summer, including both semi-finals and the showpiece final.