Wales make their pitch for Euro 2028 hosting - and automatic qualification 

No more than two of those federations can expect a free pass into the 28-nation tournaments and the FAI were confident they’d get the nod alongside England given they’re supplying two stadia, one more than the others, for the showpiece.

FIRST MOVE: Wales hopes to stage the first match of Euro 2028 should the UK and Ireland bid to host the tournament be successful. Nick Potts/PA Wire.

The battle to qualify automatically for Euro 2028 as co-hosts is already heating up with Wales outlining their sales pitch over Ireland.

A joint-bid by England, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is favourite to see off competition from Turkey when Uefa make their decision next September.