England are being lined up for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next June, 16 years after rioting supporters caused the last game between the teams to be abandoned after 27 minutes.

The Italian managers of the two nations, Fabio Capello and Giovanni Trapattoni, have been pushing for the friendly to go ahead before the Euro 2012 finals.

And Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney said: ‘I think there is real enthusiasm, particularly from the
English FA, to have England in Dublin sooner rather than later.’

Dark day: England fans rioted at Lansdowne Road in 1995

Trapattoni said: ‘We have been speaking for two years but their diary was busy. Now I think England accept, so we wait.’

The nations expect to meet providing they avoid each other in the Euro 2012 draw next month. Ireland’s qualification looks a formality after they beat Estonia 4-0 in the away leg of their play-off last Friday. The return game is in Dublin on Tuesday.

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