MX23RW : Saturday, November 23 22:39:18| >> :600:113857:113857:

Rio Ferdinand named FA's lead ambassador for Euro 2020

Rio Ferdinand named FA's lead ambassador for Euro 2020
© Reuters
Ferdinand made 81 international appearances for England.

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has been named as the Football Association’s lead ambassador for Euro 2020.

Wednesday marks a year to go until the start of the competition, which will be played across 12 European cities to toast the 60th anniversary of the tournament.

The semi-finals and final, as well as three group-stage matches and a round-of-16 fixture, will be held at Wembley.

Ferdinand never played in a European Championships for England despite collecting 81 caps during his international career.

Soccer – FIFA World Cup 2010 – Qualifying Round – Group Six – England v Kazakhstan – Wembley Stadium
Ferdinand scored three goals during his 81 appearances for England. (Nick Potts/PA)

But, with the FA also launching their volunteer scheme for the finals 12 months before a ball is kicked, the ex-Manchester United skipper has called on people to get involved in the lead up to the event.

“It’s an honour to be named as the UEFA Euro 2020 ambassador for the tournament in England” he said.

“The Euros have been responsible for some of the most iconic moments in football history, and I can’t wait to see more take place at Wembley and across Europe next summer.

“Whether it’s through applying to be a volunteer, dusting off your boots, attending a game or just enjoying the atmosphere, it will be a summer to remember – make sure you’re part of it.”

Should Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions qualify for the tournament they will play their group-stage matches at Wembley, and will only play away from the national stadium twice if they make it to the final on July 12.

The first phase of ticket sales opens on Wednesday and will remain on general sale until July 12.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, helping to launch the London Host City Volunteers scheme, wants the capital to shine during a tournament that will also visit Amsterdam, Baku, Bucharest, Budapest, Bilbao, Copenhagen, Dublin, Glasgow, Munich, St Petersburg and Rome.

Wembley Stadium
Wembley will host both semi-finals and the final of Euro 2020. (John Walton/PA)

“As a huge football fan, I am so excited that London is hosting seven games at Euro 2020 next summer,” said Khan.

“It shows that London provides the perfect stage for some of the world’s greatest football talent and is open to fans from all over Europe.

“We are determined to make London the most inclusive and engaging location of all the host cities, and we want people from across the capital and the country to get involved – not only as spectators but as volunteers and ambassadors for our city.”

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', 'eb0ce06f-99b5-4030-9d60-74b5926b5ff9');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Rio Ferdinand handed ambassadorial role by the FA for Euro 2020'});

ID:361735: cacheID:361735:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8396:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Read more about Rio Ferdinand Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!