St James’ Park is a leading contender to host one of England’s two pre-Euro 2024 matches… with Newcastle United aiming to welcome Three Lions for the first time in almost 20 years 

• England will hold two pre-tournament matches ahead of going to Euro 2024 
• St James’ Park is emerging as a contender to host one of the two matches 
• Trent and Bellingham can play together but can’t get in each other’s way – IAKO 

The Football Association will take England on the road ahead of Euro 2024, with St James’ Park emerging as a leading option to stage one of the team’s warm-up games. 

Mail Sport understands one of Gareth Southgate side’s two pre-tournament matches will be held away from Wembley, with Newcastle emerging as in line to hold one of the games. It would be the first time in nearly two decades St James’ Park has hosted the national team.

In March 2005, midfielders Steven Gerrard and David Beckham scored in a 2-0 win for Sven Goran Eriksson’s side against Azerbaijan on Tyneside.

The England match to be taken on the road next summer is expected to be the first of two warm-up matches before the European Championships, which start on June 14.

The final pre-tournament game will be held at the national stadium in London.

St James’ Park is under consideration to host one of England’s two pre-Euro 2024 matches

One of the pre-tournament matches for Gareth Southgate will take place away from Wembley

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The FA are still to rubber-stamp the venue England’s match away from Wembley, but while St James’ hasn’t been confirmed as the location, it is a leading contender.

Old Trafford was the last English ground to host the national team other than Wembley; England defeating North Macedonia at the home of Manchester United in June.

The north-east has become a regular location for England’s pre tournament warm-up games in recent years.

The Stadium of Light staged England’s 2-1 win over Australia pre-Euro 2016 – Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney scoring in the win at Sunderland.

Old Trafford was the last English ground to host the national team other than Wembley

Before the delayed Euro 2020, Southgate’s men played both warm-up games – against Austria and Romania – at Middlesbrough.

Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford scored a solitary goal in each game at the Riverside as England won both 1-0.

Because the opening warm-up game is scheduled for the start of June, it is likely any England players featuring in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1 will be unavailable.

Similarly, the Europa Conference League final is on May 29, a date which could preclude any involvement for England players for the first warm-up game.

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