England to compete annually in a world-class four-team tournament for inaugural edition in February 2022 Tournament has been created and will be delivered by long-term FA partner, Pitch International.
The Lionesses will be joined by Germany and Spain, both also ranked in FIFA’s top ten, in the 2022 edition – with the fourth competing nation to be announced soon. Fans will be treated to three double-header matches played across seven days in a round-robin format.
More details for the inaugural competition, including venues and ticket information, will be released in the coming weeks.
We all enjoy the SheBelieves Cup over in the United States so being able to host an event of this level on our own shores will be superb for English football and be a great appetizer for next summer’s European Championships. This will also heap pressure on Sarina Wiegman’s side to perform well, if we come away winning this then we can build some great momentum and confidence will be sky high. However, failure to perform could be damaging to the confidence of the players, media and fans hopes of winning at Euro 2022.
The annual tournament will significantly boost England’s international calendar and ensure Sarina Wiegman’s squad regularly face world-class opposition, starting with the build-up to next summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO on home soil and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
World Cup qualifying begins on Friday night at home to North Macedonia in Southampton. Further information can be found at thefa.com/tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the stadium on arrival.
Baroness Sue Campbell, director of women’s football at The FA, said: “This exciting new addition to the international calendar promises to further accelerate the rapid growth we are already seeing in women’s football.
“Giving England fans the opportunity to see their team take on some of the best opposition in the world on an annual basis will create substantial interest, leading to a broader fanbase and strengthening grassroots participation. It will also provide the England team with the best preparation heading into the major tournaments over the next four years.
“Pitch International is a world leader in organising events, has a superb track record in women’s football, and is perfectly placed to lead the delivery of this new tournament.”
Pitch International, a London-based sports marketing agency, created the tournament concept and has an agreement with The FA through to 2025 to manage all aspects of the tournament.
