The anticipation surrounding Nottingham Forest’s Premier League season is certainly palpable, but the excitement has reached a whole new level with the announcement that England will play a fixture at the iconic City Ground in June 2025. This marks a historic return, as the senior England team has not graced the stadium in 84 years, with their last match there taking place in 1941. For Forest fans, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Three Lions on home turf, and there’s a sense of pride in knowing that their beloved stadium has been chosen to host such an important international fixture.
The main source of excitement for Forest supporters is the prospect of seeing some of their own stars take to the pitch in the famous white of England. Morgan Gibbs-White, one of Forest’s standout players in recent seasons, was called up to the England squad in 2024, making him the most likely player to feature in the senior team. Fans will undoubtedly be hopeful that he’ll get his chance to shine at the City Ground, a place where he’s made a significant impact in the Premier League. Other English talents, such as Elliot Anderson and Callum Hudson-Odoi, have also been impressing at Forest and have expressed their ambitions to play for England in the future. The Forest faithful will certainly be keen to see these players earn their call-ups, as they continue to play key roles in the club’s pursuit of European football.
The decision to bring England back to the City Ground has not come without reason, and the FA’s choice to host the match in Nottingham has been driven by several practical factors. The Athletic has reported that the timing of the fixture was crucial, with England having a gap in their June schedule that needed filling. The central location of the City Ground, along with its excellent transport links to both the north and south of the country, made it an appealing choice for the FA. Nottingham’s geographical position means that fans from all over the country will have relatively easy access to the stadium, whether they are coming from London, the Midlands, or the north of England. Additionally, with Forest’s expansion plans for the stadium on hold until 2026, the City Ground was available and ready to host an international fixture, further cementing its suitability for the occasion.
While it may be the first time in decades that the senior England team plays at the City Ground, the England Under-21s had a memorable encounter there just last year. In 2023, the Under-21 team demolished Serbia 9-1 in what was one of the most thrilling and high-scoring matches to be played at the stadium in recent memory. Players like Noni Madueke, Harvey Elliott, Liam Delap, and Cole Palmer showcased their talent in front of a raucous crowd, all of whom have since gone on to make waves in the Premier League. This thrilling victory, which saw a dazzling array of goals, set the stage for what could be another exciting international match at the City Ground in 2025. However, with Senegal lined up as the opponents for the senior squad, it’s likely that fans should temper expectations when it comes to the goal count. While a high-scoring match like the Under-21 game might not be on the cards, fans can still expect a highly entertaining and competitive encounter.
The fixture will undoubtedly be a special occasion for Forest supporters, particularly with the possibility of seeing Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi make their mark on the senior England team. Both players have tasted success at youth level, and Forest fans will be hopeful that this match at the City Ground will serve as the perfect platform for them to kickstart their international careers. For Gibbs-White, in particular, playing at the City Ground in an England shirt would be an emotional and significant moment, considering how much he has grown as a player since his arrival at Forest. The atmosphere around the stadium will be electric, as fans from all over the country will descend on Nottingham to witness this historic fixture.
In conclusion, the City Ground’s upcoming role in hosting England’s senior team is a huge moment for both the club and its supporters. The fact that Forest players like Gibbs-White, Anderson, and Hudson-Odoi are in the running for England call-ups adds an extra layer of excitement, as Forest fans look forward to seeing their own stars represent the national team. The practical considerations of location and availability made the City Ground an ideal venue for the FA, and the memories of last year’s remarkable Under-21 victory only add to the excitement. Whether the match is a high-scoring thriller or a more tightly contested affair, one thing is certain: the City Ground will be buzzing with anticipation when England returns to Nottingham in 2025.