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England have reportedly told UEFA they don’t want automatic qualification for Euro 2028.
They’re set to be the main hosts of the competition in five years’ time, with the other home nations and the Republic of Ireland also involved in the bid.
On Tuesday, the five nations bid will be officially confirmed as the venue for a 51-match tournament at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon.
England are prepared to use six stadiums, with Wembley, Villa Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium among them.
England will snub the chance to qualify for Euro 2028 by default with FA chiefs wanting the team to earn their spot
PA
Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Newcastle’s St James’ Park and Everton’s planned new ground at Bramley Moore Dock also make the cut.
Yet while England will play a big role by hosting the tournament, they’re set to turn down automatic qualification.
Hosts normally play in the group stages by default.
But Wembley chiefs, per The Sun, are keen for England to earn their spot instead.
Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are all set to be put in the qualifying pot for the draw.
England are keen to learn from Germany, with their fierce rivals struggling with no serious games to play.
Just last month they sacked Hansi Flick after a chastening 4-1 defeat to Japan.
And England will qualifying will ensure they’re match-ready as they look to make it a summer to remember.
They also feel that, with other top European teams needing to qualify themselves, they’d struggle to find ‘meaningful opposition’ for friendly matches.
The other home nations, as well as the Republic of Ireland, are on board with the decision.
The qualifiers will begin in late 2026.
Meanwhile, in other England football news, Bukayo Saka has been forced to withdraw from the squad.
Gareth Southgate’s side are currently preparing for matches against Australia and Italy, with both games due to be held at Wembley.
Saka was missing for Arsenal as they beat Manchester City 1-0 in their Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.
But while the 22-year-old reported for international duty, he’s now been released to his club.
England aren’t expected to call up a replacement, with Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Eddie Nketiah, Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins all options in attack.
Southgate recently explained his decision to pick both Bowen and Watkins, highlighting their impressive form for West Ham and Aston Villa respectively.
“We have added Jarrod Bowen in the wide areas – he’s scored five in seven games – and with the Australia game, there’s an opportunity to learn some different things,” he said.
“Ollie Watkins has started the season well.
“He’s hit a bit of scoring form in the last couple of weeks.
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England star Bukayo Saka has returned to Arsenal after initially being called up for international duty
PA
“You have to be careful with that because you can’t just go on recency bias when you’re looking at selection, but he is in good form.
“He’s coming in on a high.
“He’s been with us before; we know his character, his personality. He’s a good guy around the group.
“He’s playing for a club that are really well-coached and the team are in a good moment.”
