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Wembley to host German clash
The great foes will meet once more beneath the Twin Towers
England's 2002 World Cup qualifying match against Germany on 7 October will be held at Wembley Stadium.
The Football Association has confirmed that stadium redevelopment will be delayed three weeks so the clash can be the last game played at the venue.
England coach Kevin Keegan said: "When all the options are considered, it has to be right to give the maximum number of fans the chance to see this massive game.
"Until recently, Wembley didn't appear to be available. Now it is, and I know it will be a wonderful atmosphere."
Other venues, such as Old Trafford and St James' Park, had been considered to stage the qualifying game.
The Football Association has confirmed that stadium redevelopment will be delayed three weeks so the clash can be the last game played at the venue.
England coach Kevin Keegan said: "When all the options are considered, it has to be right to give the maximum number of fans the chance to see this massive game.
"Until recently, Wembley didn't appear to be available. Now it is, and I know it will be a wonderful atmosphere."
Other venues, such as Old Trafford and St James' Park, had been considered to stage the qualifying game.
We wanted as many people as possible to be able to see the
game so decided to delay the closure for three weeks  |
FA spokesman Steve Double
|
But an FA statement on Thursday said: "The closure of the stadium has been delayed by three weeks to enable the match to act as the finale in the present Wembley's 77-year history.
"The bulldozers are expected to move in to demolish the stadium soon afterwards.
"The decision follows talks involving the England coach Kevin Keegan as well as Wembley and the FA.
"The FA, the stadium's new owners, had considered taking the game elsewhere in the country with Wembley expected to close in September.
"But before the World Cup draw was made, Germany were considered the most fitting opponents for the final match at Wembley, not least because of the famous World Cup final involving the two countries back in 1966.
"The bulldozers are expected to move in to demolish the stadium soon afterwards.
"The decision follows talks involving the England coach Kevin Keegan as well as Wembley and the FA.
"The FA, the stadium's new owners, had considered taking the game elsewhere in the country with Wembley expected to close in September.
"But before the World Cup draw was made, Germany were considered the most fitting opponents for the final match at Wembley, not least because of the famous World Cup final involving the two countries back in 1966.
Germany were considered the most fitting opponents for the final match at Wembley. |
FA statement
|
"Once they were paired together again at the draw in Tokyo last December, it had been assumed that other opponents would have to be found for the finale because of the timetable."
Now the curtain will come down on the famous old Twin Towers with the qualifier against England's greatest international rivals, who were beaten 4-2 after extra-time in the World Cup final on July 30, 1966.
The FA revealed England will also be arranging friendly matches for September and November with France and Italy among possible opponents.
England's other World Cup qualifying matches over the next two years will still be played outside London.
Now the curtain will come down on the famous old Twin Towers with the qualifier against England's greatest international rivals, who were beaten 4-2 after extra-time in the World Cup final on July 30, 1966.
The FA revealed England will also be arranging friendly matches for September and November with France and Italy among possible opponents.
England's other World Cup qualifying matches over the next two years will still be played outside London.
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