YEP Says: Why Leeds United's Elland Road is ready for an England match

LEEDS UNITED might not quite be Premier League just yet, but their fans certainly are judging by the huge numbers that turn out week in and week out to see the Whites play.
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PIC: PA

The supporters show a loyalty and love for the game which one day will surely be rewarded by today’s United being as successful as past Elland Road teams.

So the news that the England national team is to play Costa Rica at Elland Road in the build up to this summer’s World Cup is fantastic news for the club and, indeed, for the city.

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What a great chance to showcase Leeds to England fans from across the country and to Costa Ricans who may make the trip to Yorkshire.

Elland Road is a stadium worthy of top-class football and Leeds the city is ever improving and ready to take a place on the international stage. England don’t often play home games away from Wembley, which is a shame. Perhaps the national side should go on tour around the country more often, giving regional fans a chance to see their heroes on local turf.

Anyone who was at the Euro 96 matches when Elland Road hosted three group games including a 3-3 draw with Sweden, or indeed Elland Road’s last friendly against Italy in 2002, will know that this stadium is ideally suited for international football. It’s just a shame that it seems unlikely any United players will be taking part.