AMIDST the excitement of the Women’s World Cup heading to the United Kingdom in 2035, Southampton fans will be left disappointed as St Mary’s Stadium has missed the cut for the proposed tournament venues.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have submitted a joint bid for the competition however the Saints venue, which held games of the Women’s Euros in 2022, has not been selected for the tournament.
Southampton Women’s U23 captain Anya Lucas has represented the Lionesses at youth level and shared with us her excitement at the tournament coming to our shores.
Lucas said: “I can’t believe that the United Kingdom might be hosting the World Cup. It’s so exciting that the spotlight is going to be on Women’s football here.”
“I think it will be a great opportunity to show the younger generation what we have to offer and what the future of Women’s football is like!”
With ten years until the competition comes to town, Lucas herself could be in contention to feature in the Lionesses squad, however it won’t be at her own club’s ground.
The AmericanExpress Stadium (Brighton) is the only South-Coast ground to make the list for 2035 alongside Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and the planned New Old Trafford.
A joint statement has been shared by The FA’s of all home nations giving their vision for the tournament.
It said: “Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil with 4.5 million tickets available for fans.”
“Together, we want to welcome the world to the UK to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable tournament.”
Solent Sports News and ESPN journalist Chloe Boyne is excited for the tournament but disappointed that St Mary’s hasn’t been included.
She said: “This could be a super opportunity for young fans to see Women’s football at such a high level being hosted in the UK, but as a journalist based here in Southampton I’m shocked that St Mary’s isn’t being used.”
“I’ve reported at the ground so many times and it has the facilities; it hosted games at Euro 2022 so I think for everyone in the area it will be a shame if it isn’t part of the plans.”
The tournament would be the first time a World Cup has been hosted in Great Britain since 1966, with English fans hoping that history repeats itself.
The successful bid will be announced at the 76th FIFA Congress, due to take place in Vancouver, Canada on Thursday April 30.
