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Why are England playing at Nottingham Forest's City Ground? Wembley exit explained

England will take on Senegal at the City Ground in Nottingham as they play away from Wembley once again as the London venue is used for other events throughout the summer

England will call the City Ground home for one night only
England will call the City Ground home for one night only

England's clash with Senegal on Tuesday evening is being played at Nottingham Forest 's City Ground - not Wembley as the country's biggest stadium prepares for concert season.

The Three Lions traditionally play their games in London but have chosen to head up the M1 to Nottingham, where they'll play alongside the River Trent. Wembley has long been used as a multi-purpose venue and this summer several of music's biggest acts are in town - meaning football has moved out.


Wembley will host seven concerts in the next month, starting with Capital Radio's Summertime Ball this Sunday. After that the 90,000-seater stadium will host 19 concerts before England next head there to play Wales on October 9. There is also the small matter of a blockbuster boxing contest between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois.


It means England won't be playing underneath the famous arch when they take on Andorra in a World Cup qualifier in September. That honour is given to Villa Park.

There has been a cry for England to take the team around the country, making it more accessible for those who aren't based in and around London. Nottingham has got the nod for the clash with Senegal, who England beat in the World Cup knockouts back in 2022.

READ MORE: England starting lineup tonight as major changes made after Andorra debacleREAD MORE: Thomas Tuchel makes 16-word Cole Palmer admission as England warning issued

Thomas Tuchel has said: "While I know Wembley is our home, I also understand the importance of taking the team around the country when we are able to and the opportunity to experience playing at a famous old English stadium such as the City Ground is one we can all look forward to."

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Last June, England played Bosnia and Herzegovina at Newcastle's St James' Park and secured a routine win in one of their warm-up games before Euro 2024. Since 2018, they have also played matches at Old Trafford, Molineux, the Riverside Stadium, St Mary's, the King Power Stadium and Elland Road.

England have continued to play the vast majority of their matches at Wembley
England have continued to play the vast majority of their matches at Wembley

Their game at Wolves ' Molineux stadium was a low point in the Gareth Southgate era as Hungary secured a 4-0 win. They played successive games in Middlesbrough as part of their preparation for Euro 2020. When Wembley was re-opened in 2007 England didn't play a home match away from the London venue for nine years.


The Stadiums selected must comply with UEFA's regulations, have suitable training complexes nearby and, ultimately, be available as other clubs also use their venues to host other events to increase revenue.

Tuchel, early in his tenure, didn't hold back in his criticism as England produced a drab showing to see off Andorra at the weekend. The Three Lions were expected to hit several goals past one of Europe's lowest ranked teams but needed a Harry Kane goal to win the game after being booed off at half-time.

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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

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