Delaney: Old enemy ideal prep for Scots

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney expects the full England squad to travel to Dublin for their long-awaited friendly against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, June 7, 2015.

Since both Ireland and England have Euro 2016 qualifiers to play just days after the friendly the FAI boss expects the tie will have a more competitive edge than might be the norm for an end of season friendly.

“England have a competitive game the following weekend (v Slovenia away) in the European qualifiers so it will be the full England squad,” said Delaney yesterday.

“In our case it will be a remarkable week because on that Sunday we play England in the friendly and on the following Saturday we play Scotland in a European qualifier. From England’s point of view, they’ll want to be competitive because they have a qualifier the following weekend. And for us it’s great preparation because we play Scotland the following week. Martin (O’Neill) sees it as an ideal warm-up game for Scotland.”

Following the successful hosting of last May’s 1-1 draw in Wembley, it was always the intention for England to revisit Dublin after their last game here, in 1995 at the old Lansdowne Road, had to be abandoned because of rioting by visiting supporters. “It’s taken a while but I think it’s something that the Irish football public will be very excited about,” said Delaney.

“Playing the old enemy at their sport is something we want to do and, as I said, it’s been a long time coming around but I’m delighted that we’re able to announce it.”

The FAI also announced that the England game in Dublin will be part of their new season ticket package along with Euro qualifiers against Poland, Scotland and Gibraltar, two further but as yet unconfirmed friendlies and the FAI Cup final.

In a statement the Association said that the 2014/15 season ticket will also include a large number of benefits for holders including the right to purchase additional tickets for the England friendly, meaning that the match is unlikely to go on general sale.

The season ticket package at the Aviva Stadium, which went on sale yesterday through ticketmaster.ie, starts from €54 for children under 16, from €138 for adults and from €318 for families.

Options are available for payment in four instalments.

Meanwhile the Government has given its backing to the FAI’s bid to host matches in the expanded Euro 2020 finals. The Cabinet yesterday approved a memo supporting the bid that must be submitted to UEFA before 25 April. The 13 successful cities will be named in September.