Football fans across Sussex have a unique opportunity to see the England Lionesses in action in Brighton & Hove this summer before they leave for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
THE Amex Stadium, home of Premier League Club Brighton & Hove Albion, will host the England Women’s game against fellow World Cup hopefuls New Zealand on June 1.
Early bird tickets are already selling fast for the home international, at just £1 for children and concessions and £10 for adults – reduced to £7.50 if booked before Sunday March 10.
The Brighton & Hove match is the final game in the Road to France Series which sees Phil Neville’s squad playing at four different venues across the country.
Cllr Alan Robins, chair of Brighton & Hove City Council’s Tourism committee said: “We are extremely proud to be welcoming the Lionesses to the city as they prepare for their World Cup campaign.
“This is a great opportunity for fans of all ages to see the country’s top players in action and give them a great send off before they leave for France and the World Cup.”
Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s manager Hope Powell added: “To have a preparation game for England at the Amex is fantastic and as a club and as an FA we will be working hard to raise awareness that the game is on.
“It’s a great stadium and I’m sure that for both England and New Zealand it will be a privilege to play here.”
The Road to France Series comprises:
Friday, April 5 (7pm): England v Canada – Academy Stadium, Manchester City FC
Tuesday, April 9 (7pm): England v Spain – The Energy Check County Ground, Swindon Town FC
Saturday, May 25 (3pm): England v Denmark – Banks’s Stadium, Walsall FC
Saturday, June 1 (1pm): England v New Zealand – American Express Community Stadium, Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Albion chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said; “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting another England international at our stadium.
“After hosting the World Cup qualifier against Montenegro almost five years ago, we saw the tremendous boost it had in helping to raise the profile of the women’s game across our region.
“We now have a proven track record of hosting England internationals at the stadium, having also welcomed the under-19s and under-21 teams.
“Hopefully we can attract as many fans from across the country as possible, and make it another occasion to remember.”
England Team manager Phil Neville said the Road to France matches would ensure that the players ‘hit the ground running’ when they arrive in France.
Phil said; “It’s great that we can visit four different parts of the country and I have no doubt the players will get fantastic support as ever,’ he said. “I also want to thank my colleagues at The FA and the clubs for making this exciting series of games possible.
“This is a huge year for my players and staff, and we are going to France with the aim of making the country proud.”
The Lionesses’ group stage schedule at the World Cup is:
Sunday, June 9 (5pm BST): England v Scotland – Stade de Nice
Friday, June 14 (8pm BST): England v Argentina – Stade Océane, Le Havre
Wednesday June 19 (8pm BST): Japan v England – Stade de Nice
Excitement is already building in Brighton & Hove for the Womens’ EURO 2021 when the Amex is one of six host stadiums.
Brighton & Hove has a successful track record in hosting major sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup in 2015. In 2014 the city welcomed Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain bike race and the annual Brighton Marathon is the UK’s second largest.
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