UK unveils bid for 2035 women’s football World Cup with 15 cities and 22 stadiums in mix

FA says 63 million people within two hours of a venue

Final stadium list will come down to between 14 and 16

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have submitted their bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup as the largest single-sport event staged in the UK.

The Lionesses’ record goalscorer, Ellen White, described the bid as “really special” and compared it to her experience of the 2012 Olympics as a part of Team GB.

“We felt it in the Olympics in 2012, that exposure, that amazing sense of togetherness,” she said. “The whole worldwide captivation was really special. Seeing all the different nations, the cultures, the diversity, the inclusivity, was really special to be involved with. The fact that it’s a World Cup [means] it is worldwide and all eyes will be on us and people will want to come and be a part of it.”