The six international matches the Stadium of Light has hosted ahead of Euro 2028 proposal

What history does Sunderland's Stadium of Light have with international football?

It was announced this week that the Sunderland Stadium of Light has been shortlisted as a potential venue, as a part of the UK and Ireland’s bid to host Euro 2028.

The shortlist consists of 14 venues which also include Wembley Stadium, Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium among others. A final list of 10 Stadium’s will be submitted to UEFA in April 2023.

Sunderland’s home stadium is no stranger to hosting international games, having previously held six international matches since opening its doors in 1997.

Credit: MI News

International friendly, October 10, 1999

England 2-1 Belgium 

An attendance of over 40,000 watched England see off Belgium 2-1 in what was the first ever international match to be played at the Stadium of Light. Alan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp got the goals for the Three Lions and Branko Strupar got Belgium’s only goal of the game.

Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips played the first hour before being replaced by Michael Owen.

U20 International, November 27, 2002

England U20 3-5 Italy U20 

Two years later the Wearside venue played host to an under 20 international fixture with Italy beating England 5-3. 

Former Sunderland players Michael Chopra and Darren Carter were on the score sheet for England with Chopra scoring twice.

UEFA EURO 2004 qualifier, April 2, 2003

England 2-0 Turkey

The first competitive international game at the Stadium of Light saw England run out 2-0 winners against Turkey, with goals from Darius Vassell and David Beckham. 

This was the largest crowd at an international game at the Stadium of Light, with 47,667 in attendance - a record which still stands today.

This game was the third England cap of 120 won by Wayne Rooney, who was just 17-years-old at the time.

Credit: Allstar Richard Selle

UEFA EURO U21 qualifier, June 10, 2003

England 2-0 Slovakia 

International football was back on Wearside just two months later, this time for a under-21 qualifier. 

England beat Slovakia 2-0 after an own goal from Peter Doleza and a late goal from Phil Jagielka in the 83rd minute.

International friendly, May 27, 2016

England 2-1 Australia 

After a 13-year hiatus the Stadium of Light returned to the international stage with England taking on Australia in preparation for the Three Lions EURO 2016 campaign. 

Marcus Rashford scored three minutes into his debut before Wayne Rooney added to England’s lead. Eric Dier scored an own goal in the 76th minute.

Current Sunderland defender Bailey Wright, who played for Preston at the time, played the full match for Australia.

Credit: Simon Bellis

Women’s 2023 World Cup qualifier, November 27, 2021

England 1-0 Austria 

The first Women’s international game to be held at the Stadium of Light. The Lionesses won 1-0 thanks to a close-range finish from Ellen White on her 100th appearance for England.