The Republic of Ireland will take on England in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium on November 12th. The last time the two nations met was back in 2015 at the Aviva Stadium. Neither Martin O’Neill or then England manager Roy Hodgson could outwit each other with the game ending in a goalless draw.
Next Stop | Wembley 📍
Fixture | England v Ireland
Date | Thursday, November 12
Kick-off | 8pmInternational friendly against @England announced #COYBIG | #ENGIRL
➡️ https://t.co/rONhisMSVF pic.twitter.com/9UqN3sZSg9
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) October 21, 2020
This time around sees Stephen Kenny’s men take on Gareth Southgate’s England side. Kenny has expressed his excitement for the fixture, stating that it is a “high quality game for the team”. Interim CEO of the FAI Gary Owens also shared his enthusiasm for the announcement: “There is something very special about any game against England and I know our supporters will look forward to this match, even if they can’t be there.”
With the majority of Ireland’s players based in England, Kenny will be hoping this will work in his favour with regards to player availability. The inclusion of international friendly games as received a degree of scrutiny from the wider footballing community due to the current circumstances regarding COVID-19. However, the limited amount of travel required by the players during November’s international break should ease the burden on the squad and the manager.
Stephen Kenny’s team will travel to London to face England on Thursday 12th of November. November 15th sees them take on Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in a Nations League clash before heading back to Dublin to face Bulgaria on November 18th in the Aviva Stadium.
“It’s a high quality game for the team. With minimal travel between London, Cardiff and Dublin in these changed times, it is better for us logistically with player welfare paramount,” said Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.
“It helps ensure we will have our strongest possible squad available for all three matches.”
Welcoming the fixture, interim CEO of the FAI Gary Owens said: “We are delighted to accept this invitation to play at Wembley from the English FA. There is something very special about any game against England and I know our supporters will look forward to this match, even if they can’t be there.”
The English FA are currently working with their Government on a return for spectators but the Ireland fixture is scheduled to be played behind-closed-doors. England were due to host New Zealand in the first game of the November international window but that game was cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
International Friendly
Fixture | England v Ireland
Date | Thursday, November 12
Kick-off | 8pm
Location | Wembley Stadium, London
