The UEFA Executive Committee has appointed the UK and Ireland as hosts of the final tournament of the UEFA European Football Championship in 2028.
Italy and Turkey as hosts of the final tournament of the UEFA European Football Championship in 2032.
Usually, the host nation of a major tournament like the Euros automatically qualifies. But with five countries bidding to host Euro 2028, there are just too many countries for Uefa to give up automatic spots.
Not all the hosts will be guaranteed passage to the 24-team tournament, according to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. UEFA are reportedly planning to reserve two spots for the best two performing host nations that fail to qualify.
Meanwhile, England have reportedly turned down a chance to earn two of the automatic slots reserved for the five nations that will host the tournament.
England’s decision to turn down the slot is not coming as a surprise. The Three Lions are among the high profile teams in Europe with surety to qualify for the tournament through the qualifiers.
Also, Gareth Southgate reportedly wants his team to use the qualifiers and prepare for the tournament, taking all matches serious instead of relying on the two automatic slots.
