England will play TWO behind-closed-doors games in June including Italy Euro 2020 final rematch in Nations League
ENGLAND’S Euro 2020 Final rematch with Italy in June will be played behind closed doors - as a consequence of July’s carnage.
Uefa imposed the penalty and an £85,000 fine following the shocking scenes which an independent inquiry found could have ended in significant loss of life.
After the Nations League draw which pitted Gareth Southgate’s side against the Azzurri, old foes Germany and Hungary, Uefa have now confirmed the fixtures dates.
And it means the Three Lions will play TWO of their first THREE matches in empty stadiums.
England’s opener, against Hungary, must also be played behind closed doors because of racism and hooliganism by Magyars supporters during Euro 2020.
That will be a relief for Southgate and his players, who were both physically attacked and racially abused during September’s 4-0 World Cup qualifying win.
The first match, on June 4, will be followed by the game in Germany the days later.
England will then host the Italians in front of banks of empty seats - the match is still likely to be held at Wembley - on June 11, before Hungary on June 14 finishes the season.
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That last match will have the FA, Wembley stewards and police on high alert after Hungarian fans caused serious problems in their October 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw.
The schedule means that Italy will play two games in London, 11 days apart, but with fans allowed for the newly-inaugurated challenge match with South American champions Argentina on June 1 and banned for the England clash.
It also means Southgate will complete his final World Cup preparations in September with back to back games against two of football’s genuine heavyweights.
The return clash with Italy will be played on September 23, with Germany then at Wembley three days later for what will be both sides’ last action before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 21.
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