Three Lions To Host Romania In The Black Country

It was announced by the Football Association, earlier this week, that England’s Men’s U21 team will be hosting Romania’s at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ home Stadium of Molineux later this year.

The historic fixture, which is due to take place on Saturday 23 March 2018, will be the third time that the young Three Lions have played at the 31,700-capacity arena situated in Wolverhampton City Centre.

In two previous outings at the Black Country venue, the side defeated Croatia in a 2015 European U21 Championship Play-Off thanks to goals from future stars Harry Kane and Saido Berahino.

And, the first time that the youngsters turned out there in 2008, a friendly against Poland, a 0-0 stalemate ensued with such talent on show as Joe Hart, Ryan Shawcross, Robert Lewandowski and Wojciech Szczesny that evening also in March.

This year’s matchup is set to prove stern preparation for a vital EURO U21 2019 Qualifier against Ukraine at Bramall Lane three days later for England, they are currently top of Group Four with a five-point lead.

Meanwhile, Romania also top their Qualifying Group, by only three points though, an impressive feat in a Group that involves the likes of Bosnia & Herzegovina and Switzerland, they will next be in Competitive action next September, travelling to Portugal.

The fixture will be both outfit’s first match in the space of four months, the hosts emerging victorious Ukraine last time out, while the visitors drew 0-0 away at ten-man Wales.

Speaking to the FA about the Midlands encounter, Three Lions Boss Aidy Boothroyd had this to say, “We’re really looking forward to heading to Wolves for our opening game of 2018.

“Romania will provide a tough test in what will be our first fixture in four months, stated the former Watford Manager.

“The Stadium is a top-class venue and an enjoyable place to play and watch Football, hopefully, we can put on a very good show.”

The Stadium itself has been the subject of improvements aimed at increasing its capacity in recent years, the latest one was completed in 2012, moving the number of spectators that can be held inside Molineux well up into the 30,000s.

Back in 2014 when the Croatians visited, a crowd of 23,000 turned out and a similarly high number of fans can be expected this time around, many of them Wolves supporters, the team that play their domestic games at the Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have a ten-point lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship built on the foundations of their home form, meaning that Molineux could well once again become a Premier League Stadium, as well a world-class venue for International Football.