England Women's World Cup Qualifier Set for Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium
The Football Association has announced that England's home Women's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in June will be held at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium. This decision represents a notable move by the FA, showcasing growing confidence in the appeal of Sarina Wiegman's side as they aim to build on their European Championship successes and secure a first World Cup victory in 2027.
Significant Venue Upgrade for Lionesses
England's recent non-Wembley home games have typically taken place at smaller venues, such as Southampton's St Mary's Stadium and Derby County's Pride Park. The choice of Everton's 52,700-capacity ground marks a substantial step up in size, reflecting the increasing popularity and stature of women's football in the country.
Everton Women have been based at Goodison Park this season, drawing the third-highest average attendance in the Women's Super League, trailing only Arsenal and Chelsea. This backdrop underscores the strategic selection of Hill Dickinson Stadium for a high-profile international fixture.
Qualifying Campaign and Fixture Details
England's Women's World Cup qualifying campaign kicks off with an away match against Ukraine in Antalya next Tuesday, followed by a home game against Iceland at Nottingham Forest's City Ground four days later. The group also includes Spain, a formidable opponent who faced England in both the 2022 European Championship final and the 2023 World Cup final.
The Lionesses will host world champions Spain at Wembley on 14 April in a marquee fixture, before traveling to Iceland four days later. The qualifying campaign concludes with an away match in Spain on 5 June, setting the stage for the final home game against Ukraine at Hill Dickinson Stadium on 9 June.
Hill Dickinson Stadium's Growing Profile
Since opening last summer, Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium has become a versatile venue for major sporting events. In November, it hosted an Ashes Test between England's rugby league side and Australia. Looking ahead, a Nations Championship rugby union international between Fiji and England is scheduled for July, and Scotland will face Côte d'Ivoire in a World Cup warm-up game next month.
Additionally, the stadium has been proposed as a potential venue for the UK's bid to host the 2035 Women's World Cup, highlighting its significance in the sporting landscape. Both the FA and Everton have declined to comment on the selection, but the move aligns with broader trends in expanding women's football venues.
Implications for Women's Football
This venue choice signals a shift towards larger stadiums for women's international matches, potentially boosting attendance and visibility. As England's Lionesses continue their quest for World Cup glory, playing at such a capacity ground could enhance fan engagement and support, further solidifying the team's status in the sport.
