THE England men’s team is returning to St James’ Park for one of their two warm-up matches ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

Gareth Southgate’s side will take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in Newcastle on Monday, June 3 (7.45pm) as part of their preparations for the Euros in Germany.

They will then head to Wembley to face Iceland on Friday, June 7 (7.45pm) before leaving for their training base ahead of the start of the tournament.

The game against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Tyneside will be the first England men’s fixture staged at St James’ Park since 2005, when Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side claimed a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan in a World Cup qualifier.

It will be their eighth outing in Newcastle in total, and represents England’s first-ever meeting with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

“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,” said Southgate. “We will follow that with another special occasion at Wembley allowing our fans the opportunity to give us a final send off before we head to Germany for another exciting summer.

“Both opponents in June are sure to provide stiff competition and play an important part in our preparation for the tournament.”

READ MORE:

Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson will both hope to be involved in the game on home soil, with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon also pushing for a maiden senior England cap. Goalkeeper Nick Pope could also feature in Southgate’s squad if he has completed his return from a shoulder injury and proved his fitness before the end of the season.

“It’s great news that England are playing at St. James’ Park,” said Trippier. “Firstly, the support will be incredible as I experience the atmosphere of St. James’ Park every time I play for Newcastle. It’s a good time for people in the region to watch this England side with our fantastic players, both young and experienced.

“It’s always exciting as warm-up games get you prepared and ready for tournaments and it’s important to play these games and get yourself ready. It is a big occasion and really special for me that there is a game at St. James’ Park.”

Tickets for the game on June 3 will initially go on sale to members of the England Supporters’ Travel Club from February 26. My England Football Members will be able to purchase tickets from March 1, with a general sale due to commence on March 8.