Southampton's St Mary's Stadium remains a host venue for Uefa Women's Euros

The competition was set to go ahead next summer but because the men’s tournament has been pushed back till 2021 it will now begin 12 months after the original date.

Saints’ ground will host three Group A matches - including the Lionesses’ final qualifier.

St Mary’s previously welcomed the England Women’s side back in April 2018 when they played Wales in a World Cup qualifier.

As the host nation, the Lionesses side will automatically qualify for 2022’s tournament.

Councillor Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for homes and culture at Southampton City Council, said: “Southampton remains excited to be hosting this international tournament; engaging local communities; inspiring women and welcoming people from across the world to share everything our great city has to offer.

"We, of course, want this to happen when it is safe to do so and it can have maximum exposure, so we fully support UEFA’s decision to postpone the tournament. 

“We will continue to work closely with them and other partners to ensure that in 2022 it’s a time to remember women’s sport and build a legacy from.

"Events like these help put Southampton on the map and grow the local economy, something that is going to be critical for us when we recover from the current pandemic.” 

England’s quest for glory will start at Manchester United’s Old Trafford before a trip south to play in Brighton’s Amex Stadium.

This leaves St Mary’s as their final destination before the knockout stages of the European competition.

In total, St Mary’s will be hosting three Group A fixtures, although just one of those will be the Lionesses.

England last hosted the tournament back in 2005, with all of the games taking place in the north-west of the country.

There are nine other venues for competition, including Wembley Stadium, Bramall Lane and Stadium MK.

The postponed Uefa Women’s Euro tournament will be played in England from 6 July to 31 July 2022.