UEFA strongly considering one standalone host nation for Euro 2020

UEFA is strongly considering one standalone host nation for next summer’s Euro 2020 finals.

And that would mean Dublin losing the three group games and Last 16 encounter it is supposed to stage.

Reports in France tonight suggest that Russia is the frontrunner to host the tournament if the trans-European model is scrapped.

The finals - postponed for a year because of coronavirus - is due to take place in 12 cities across Europe.

But the pandemic has thrown those plans into disarray as the prospect of 24 teams travelling the continent for games looks unrealistic.

And particularly so considering each country in Europe has their own travel restrictions in place.

Ireland won’t be taking part in the finals either way following their playoff semi-final defeat on penalties to Slovakia last month.

Aviva Stadium is slated to host the Sweden-Poland group game and those team’s respective matches against the playoff winner - either Northern Ireland or Slovakia.

The Dublin 4 venue is also due to stage a Last 16 encounter, with the potential for England-Germany on the cards.

Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup and has the infrastructure in place to host a major tournament.

UEFA has not made a final decision and will continue to monitor the situation amid the ongoing pandemic.