Euro 2020: Dates, locations and how to get tickets to the next tournament
When is it?
As usual, the tournament will played in the height of summer, starting on 12th June 2020, with the final scheduled for a month later, on 12th July: one last summer fling before the strange winter in Qatar two years later.
Where is it?
Interesting question. For the first time the Euros will be hosted across the entire continent, held in 12 European cities. Better save up some air-miles if you're planning on going, the list of cities includes Baku, Copenhagen, Munich, Budapest, Rome, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Saint Petersburg and Bilbao. Don't worry if you're looking for matches a little closer to home, as Glasgow, Dublin and London are all slated to host games.
How many teams are involved?
For a second successive edition there will be 24 teams taking part. Spread over 6 groups, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the round of 16, plus the four best losers. It looks easier to make the knockout stages than not.
Why is it being played in 12 different countries?
A cynic would look towards the then-Uefa president, Michel Platini, who is now facing allegations of corruption, and wonder the same. According to the Frenchman it is a 'romantic' one-off event which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the first European Championship, held in France.
So is Wembley involved?
Whilst the Stadio Olimpico in Rome is scheduled to receive the honour of the opening match, Wembley will host seven games in the tournament, including both semi-finals and final. For the first time since 1996, could it be accurate to sing football's coming home?
What happened last time?
Unfancied Portugal ground their way to the final against a much-fancied French side. It was 0-0 at the end of normal time, but in the 109th minute substitute Eder drove a shot home from 25 yards out, winning Portugal their first major trophy. Perhaps it's better to forget England's performance, as they meekly exited 2-1 to Iceland in the final game of Roy Hodgson's tenure.
Anything else I should know?
For the first time in European Championship history no team will qualify automatically. Despite Wembley hosting the final stages, there are no official hosts, and 55 teams are set to battle for 24 places in the qualifiers, for which the draw takes place in December 2018.
It will be the first time major tournament football has ever been played in Scotland or the Republic of Ireland, and should provide quite the incentive for their national teams.
How does qualification work?
55 teams will be entered into 10 different groups, with matches scheduled to start in March 2019. Two teams from each group will qualify automatically for the tournament, making up 20 of the 24 teams, and then there's a twist...
Does the Uefa Nations League affect qualification?
Ok, clear your brain and listen up, it's about to get complicated. The Nations League is sorted by ranking into four divisions, each with four groups. Replacing the old play-off system, 16 of the best-performing teams in the Nations League (that haven't already qualified) will form four four-team mini tournament. The winners of each division's tournament will qualify via the backdoor for the Euros.
How can I get tickets for it?
I know we're all excited about England, but a little patience is needed. Tickets are not yet on sale, but Uefa have created a portal for fans to register their interest, and receive the latest ticketing updates.
