England set for 2014 Aviva friendly

The Republic of Ireland will play a lucrative double-header of friendlies against England across 2013 and 2014, it was confirmed yesterday.

Ireland will first travel to Wembley on 29 May 2013 as part of the Football Association’ s 150th anniversary celebrations, before England return the favour with a match at the Aviva Stadium that is provisionally scheduled for November 2014.

The Irish team’s initial trip to Wembley will actually be the second fixture in 2013 marking the anniversary, following a prestigious match between Brazil and England in February to open the celebrations.

Most notably, the Irish game will also be the first between the neighbours since the abandonment of a friendly at Lansdowne Road in 1995 as a result of rioting by visiting supporters.

There are, however, more appropriate historical associations with the match. Ireland were actually the third side the English team ever played, with their first meeting ending in a 13-0 win for the FA side in Belfast in February 1882.

Naturally, England have also confirmed a match with their first ever opponents, Scotland, for August 2013, with another fixture planned – possibly against first ever World Cup winners Uruguay – for the summer. England will also make a reciprocal visit to Brazil.

Club England Managing Director Adrian Bevington said: ‘2013 is a landmark year for the FA and an exciting England fixture programme in addition to Wembley hosting the Uefa Champions League final will form a key part of the celebrations.

“As the most successful footballing nation, with great players and supporters, it will be fantastic to launch this important year in English football’s history against such outstanding opponents as Brazil.

“We also look forward to hosting Republic of Ireland and Scotland. These matches are sure to evoke great passion among supporters.”