Sunderland beat Newcastle to host England v Australia friendly

Sunderland will host a friendly international between England and Australia at the Stadium of Light on Friday, May 27.

The Black Cats have pipped rivals Newcastle United to the game, which will form part of Roy Hodgson’s side’s build-up to the Euro 16 finals.

The game will take place on the same day as Durham Cricket Club host Sri Lanka in an international at the Emirates Riverside, meaning a great day for international sport in the region.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Stadium of Light last hosted England in 2003 when Turkey where the visitors for a Euro 2004 qualifier, while the stadium also saw Belgium play England in 1999.

It’s the first scheduled meeting since the Socceroos beat England 3-1 win at West Ham’s Upton Park in 2003 in Wayne Rooney’s first appearance in an England shirt.

St James’s Park was also in the running to host the fixture, but Sunderland have scored an early victory over their rivals ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby later this month.