Everton new stadium could be highlight of Euro 2028 as Anfield snub explained

Civic leaders and club figures reacted to Everton’s new stadium being confirmed as a Euro 2028 venue

Colin Chong believes Everton’s future home will prove to be “a real highlight of the tournament” as thoughts now turn to the 2028 European Championship following the conclusion of Euro 2024 in Germany. Gareth Southgate’s England side were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the final in Berlin but the UK and Ireland will host the next tournament in four years’ time.

European football’s governing body ratified the five-association bid back in October to stage the competition with Everton’s new stadium one of nine venues to be included. At the time, Colin Chong, Everton’s interim chief executive and chief stadium development officer, said: “Everton Football Club is proud to be representing the City of Liverpool as an integral part of the UK and Ireland’s successful bid to host UEFA Euro 2028.

“We feel sure our iconic stadium will be a real highlight of the tournament and the prestige of being a host city will bring so many benefits, beyond participating in a festival of football. It will allow the club and the local authorities to build on the already transformational impact that Everton Stadium will bring to our city region and will inspire young people from our local communities.”

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Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Few places have made a bigger impact on English – and European – football than the Liverpool City Region. Quite simply, nowhere is more qualified or experienced to host one of Europe’s biggest sporting spectacles than us.

“From the Grand National, to Eurovision and The Open, we’ve proven time and again that we have the capability, creativity and culture to put on unforgettable spectacles for visitors from around the world. Everton’s new stadium is already shaping up to be a world-class venue and I can think of no better opportunity to show why our region is the perfect place for football fans – both on and off the pitch – than Euro 2028.”

Jordan Pickford, Everton and England goalkeeper, who performed heroics in his second consecutive Euros final on Sunday night only to again finish on the losing side, said: “It’s brilliant for fans across Merseyside and the north west that Everton Stadium will be a venue for Euro 2028 – and it’s a proud moment for the club too.

“Football means a lot to this city so it’s special to have such high-profile international matches played here. The England fans supported us all the way to the final in the last Euros, so I’ve no doubt fans across the UK and Ireland will ensure the tournament is another memorable one.”

Seamus Coleman, Everton and Republic of Ireland captain, added: “It’s fantastic news for the city of Liverpool and my home nation.

“Everton Stadium hosting international games is really special for the club, and it seems only right that this welcoming, diverse city is part of the tournament as football is such a huge part of people’s lives here.

“Hosting games in Ireland will be incredible too. It’ll be a real reward for football fans there who will bring their own unique passion and colour to the spectacle.”

Anfield will not host any games due to UEFA rules regarding the size of the pitch at the stadium.