England Women to play Belgium at Rotherham's New York Stadium
Monday 1 February 2016 15:43, UK
England Women's Euro 2017 qualifier against Belgium will be staged at Rotherham's AESSEAL New York Stadium on Friday, April 8.
The Lionesses have won both of their Euro 2017 qualifiers so far, a comprehensive 8-0 victory over Estonia in Tallinn and a 1-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina at Ashton Gate, in front of a crowd of more than 13,000 supporters.
England travel to America for the inaugural SheBelieves Cup next month, where they take on the host nation, European champions Germany and France, in three matches over the space of seven days.
The game against Belgium - played at the venue for the 2015 FA WSL Continentla Tyres Cup final - will be followed by another Euro 2017 qualifier away at Bosnia & Herzegovina on Tuesday April 12.
Head coach Mark Sampson said: "Our supporters have been incredible getting behind our team and we love playing in front of them at home.
"They have played such a massive part in the Lionesses winning every competitive home match in the past two years and we are determined to continue that record against Belgium.
"Rotherham did a wonderful job when they hosted the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup Final, the stadium has excellent facilities and we know it will be a great location for the qualifier.
"I know the Lionesses fans will be out in force to support the team."
England captain Steph Houghton said: "We can't wait to play at home again in front of our supporters and to be back up north again.
"Belgium will be one of our toughest games in this campaign but hopefully we'll get a good win and take another step towards qualification.
"We had such a fantastic turn out for our last match and we hope that as many of our supporters as possible come and cheer us on against Belgium."
Rotherham United chairman Tony Stewart added: "We have successfully held several high-profile international fixtures at AESSEAL New York Stadium in the past, but we are stepping up a level as we host a Women's European Championship qualifier.
"There is huge interest in this fixture and we are honoured to have been chosen for such an important game in the England Women's calendar.
"Ticket sales were impressive for the recent FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup Final held last year, but with such importance riding on this fixture we are expecting an even bigger turnout from the Rotherham public."
