England could be forced to QUALIFY for Euro 2028 even if UK hosts tournament under radical new plan by Uefa
ENGLAND could have to qualify for Euro 2028… even if they are confirmed as hosts of the tournament, according to reports.
A five-country bid looks set to win out – with England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland expected to be named as hosts.
However, according to The Times, Uefa, are considering a plan that would see each nation placed in qualifying groups.
Two automatic spots would then be reserved for any of the countries that fail to qualify for the 24-team competition.
If more than two finish outside the qualification places, the best two will take the spots.
The UK and Ireland are set to be announced as Euro 2028 hosts on October 10.
Turkey were initially planning to submit a rival bid, but they are now seeking to host Euro 2032 alongside Italy.
Uefa’s plans could end up benefiting England as competitive games give them a better opportunity to maintain or improve their Fifa ranking compared with friendlies.
Meanwhile, ITV have revealed they have agreed a deal with Uefa to broadcast England’s matches up to June 2028.
This includes all World Cup and Euro qualifiers up to the 2026 tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico – as well as Nations League and friendly games.
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Channel 4’s deal to show England games runs out in 2024.
ITV and BBC hold the joint rights to broadcast all three major tournaments up to and including Euro 2028.
England, who hosted and finished as runners-up of Euro 2020, are on the verge of qualifying for Euro 2024 having won four and drawn one of their opening five qualifiers.