England’s women’s national team, widely known as the Lionesses, are set to make history by becoming the first England side to play at Everton’s newly built stadium when they host Ukraine in a crucial Women’s World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, 9 June. The fixture marks a significant milestone not only for the team but also for the venue, which continues to establish itself as a major stage for international football events.
The state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium, which officially opened last summer, has already gained recognition as one of the selected venues for the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament. In addition, it is also included on the shortlist as part of the United Kingdom’s bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup, further highlighting its growing importance within the global football landscape. Hosting the Lionesses will therefore represent another major step in the stadium’s development as a premier football destination.
Before England’s historic appearance, the venue will also host Scotland, who are scheduled to play a friendly match against Ivory Coast on 31 March. That fixture is intended to help Scotland prepare for upcoming international competitions, including the men’s World Cup campaign later in the year. The scheduling of high-profile international matches at the stadium reflects the confidence football authorities have in its facilities, atmosphere, and ability to host elite-level games.
Under the leadership of head coach Sarina Wiegman, England are currently pursuing qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The Lionesses, who are two-time European champions, have been drawn into a challenging qualifying group alongside Spain, Ukraine, and Iceland. Each match in this group is expected to be highly competitive, given the quality and recent success of the teams involved.
England’s qualifying journey begins with an away fixture against Ukraine on Tuesday, 3 March, which will be played in Turkey. This match represents a key early test for Wiegman’s side as they look to establish momentum in the group. Following that encounter, the Lionesses will return home to face Iceland at the City Ground on Saturday, 7 March in what promises to be another important clash in their qualification campaign.
One of the most anticipated fixtures in the group is England’s meeting with Spain on 14 April at Wembley Stadium. This game carries added significance because Spain are the reigning world champions, while England recently defeated them in the Euro 2025 final. That victory reinforced England’s reputation as one of the strongest teams in women’s football and added an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming encounters in the qualifying stage.
Sarina Wiegman has expressed her excitement about the opportunity to play at Everton’s new stadium, emphasizing the importance of taking the national team to different regions across the country. She has consistently highlighted how playing matches in various cities helps strengthen the connection between the team and supporters nationwide. According to Wiegman, bringing the Lionesses to the north-west, particularly to a city with such a deep football heritage as Liverpool, will make the occasion even more special.
Liverpool’s rich football history and longstanding association with the women’s game add further meaning to the event. Over the years, the city has played a significant role in English football culture, producing legendary players and hosting countless memorable matches. Hosting the Lionesses at a modern venue in such a historic football city is seen as a celebration of both tradition and progress within the sport.
The qualifying group structure means that England must remain consistent throughout the campaign if they are to secure a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. With Spain, Ukraine, and Iceland all capable of strong performances, every match carries considerable weight. Dropped points could complicate their path to qualification, making home fixtures, including the match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, particularly crucial.
Following their early March fixtures against Ukraine and Iceland, England will travel to face Iceland again later in the campaign on 18 April, with the exact kick-off time yet to be confirmed. They will then take on Spain away from home on 5 June in what could be a decisive match in determining the final standings of the group. Just a few days later, the Lionesses will return to home soil to host Ukraine on 9 June, marking their landmark appearance at Everton’s new ground.
The decision to stage the Ukraine fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium reflects the Football Association’s broader strategy of expanding the reach of the women’s national team. Rather than limiting matches to traditional venues like Wembley, officials have increasingly opted to host games in different cities to grow the fanbase and inspire young supporters across the country. This approach has been widely praised, especially following the surge in popularity of women’s football after England’s recent international successes.
From a sporting perspective, the Lionesses enter the qualification campaign with strong confidence and high expectations. Their recent triumphs in European competitions have established them as one of the dominant forces in the women’s game. However, the road to the World Cup remains demanding, particularly with Spain in the same group and eager for redemption after their defeat in the Euro 2025 final.
The match against Ukraine at the new Everton stadium is also expected to attract a large crowd, given the growing enthusiasm for the women’s national team. Fans in the north-west region will have a rare opportunity to watch the Lionesses live, further strengthening the bond between the team and supporters outside London and the Midlands. This regional engagement has become a key element of the team’s long-term development and popularity.
Additionally, hosting major international matches at modern venues like Hill Dickinson Stadium aligns with the broader vision of enhancing infrastructure for women’s football. As the sport continues to grow globally, high-quality stadiums and professional environments play an essential role in elevating the standard and visibility of the game. The inclusion of the stadium in bids for major tournaments such as Euro 2028 and the 2035 Women’s World Cup underscores its importance in future football planning.
Overall, England’s upcoming fixtures in the qualifying group represent a crucial phase in their journey toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup. With challenging opponents, historic venues, and increasing public interest, the campaign promises to be both competitive and memorable. The Lionesses’ first appearance at Everton’s new stadium will stand out as a landmark moment, symbolizing both the growth of women’s football and the team’s ongoing commitment to engaging fans across the nation.
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