Why is England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina being played at St James' Park?

England's preparations for Euro 2024 begin with the first of two pre-tournament friendlies, as Gareth Southgate's Three Lions face Bosnia and Herzegovina.

England harbour hopes of going all the way in Germany this summer and, like the rest of the competing nations, will play two warm-up games ahead of the tournament.

Southgate is set to use the extremities of his 33-man provisional squad during England's two fixtures, with Iceland visiting Wembley on Friday. England have played the overwhelming majority of their home games under the iconic arch since its 2007 opening, although these pre-tournament warm-up games provide the rest of the country with the chance to enjoy the national team outside of the capital.

For the first time in 19 years, Newcastle's St James' Park will host an England men's fixture. Here are the details.

When is England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?

• Location: Newcastle, England
• Stadium: St James' Park
• Date: Monday 3 June
• Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT

England's first warm-up fixture takes place on Tyneside on Tuesday 3 June with kick-off scheduled for 19:45 (BST).

Remarkably, this will be the first recorded fixture between these two nations. England have never faced Bosnia following its establishment in 1992.

How to watch England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina on TV and live stream

Why is St James' Park hosting England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The FA have previously hosted pre-tournament warm-up games away from Wembley, with stadia such as Elland Road and the Riverside Stadium staging such fixtures in recent years.

There's not a particular reason why Wembley isn't hosting Tuesday's match, although Newcastle did snap at the chance to stage an English double-header after Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses were beaten by France at St James' on Friday. It gives people from other regions of the country a chance to support and enjoy the national team in the flesh.

Newcastle has earned a reputation for its football fanaticism and the national team's return to Tyneside was long overdue. England haven't played a fixture at St James' Park since they beat Azerbaijan 2-0 in a 2006 World Cup qualifier.

"We're really looking forward to taking the team back to the North East and to a city that is synonymous with football in this country," England boss Southgate said ahead of Tuesday's game.

"It's a good time for people in the region to watch this England side with our fantastic players, both young and experienced," Newcastle vice-captain Kieran Trippier added.

When does Euro 2024 start?

England's second warm-up game against Iceland arrives exactly a week before Euro 2024 gets underway. Germany take on Scotland in the tournament opener on Friday 14 June.

England's campaign begins two days later on Sunday 16 June against Serbia.

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