What are the biggest football stadiums in England? Wembley, Old Trafford capacities and more

Jeorge Bird

What are the biggest football stadiums in England? Wembley, Old Trafford capacities and more image

Manchester United have started plans to redevelop Old Trafford, with the possibility that the stadium's capacity of 74,310 could be increased.

Old Trafford is already one of the largest football grounds in England, although, with issues such as a leaking roof, it has been clear for some time that the ground is in need of modernisation.

As reported by Sky Sports, United have tasked architects Populous, who built Tottenham's stadium that opened in 2019, to take on the refurbishment. 

In October 2022, Collette Roche, United's chief operating officer, told the latest fans' forum: "Findings so far show that it is possible to redevelop Old Trafford to take it to the next level, but there are significant challenges in terms of complexity, timing, cost, and disruption, not least because of the inherent constraints around our site, including proximity to the adjacent railway line, canal, public access routes and housing. In short, it’s possible but not easy."

The Sporting News takes a look at where Old Trafford ranks among the ten largest football stadiums in England using data from Statista.

10. Villa Park

Team: Aston Villa
Capacity: 42,657
Year opened: 1897
Notable events: Three matches at 1966 World Cup, four matches at Euro 96, 1981 League Cup final, 55 FA Cup semi-finals.

As well as staging Aston Villa matches, Villa Park has had many uses throughout the years and has hosted England internationals as well as other high-profile international games. Other sporting events, such as boxing matches and rugby league fixtures have been held at the stadium.

There are plans to redevelop Villa Park, which could see the stadium's capacity increased to about 55,000.

9. Stadium of Light


Team: Sunderland
Capacity: 49,000
Year Opened: 1997
Notable Events: England vs. Australia (2016), England vs. Turkey (2004), concerts including Oasis, Rihanna and Beyonce

Despite Sunderland being in the Championship, they have a ground that would be suited for a Premier League team involved in European football.

There have been many high-profile concerts held at the stadium, and in some cases the capacity can be expanded to more than 55,000 for such events. 

8. St James' Park

Team: Newcastle
Capacity: 52,305
Year Opened: 1892
Notable Events: England v Albania (2001), England vs. Azerbaijan (2005), three matches at Euro 96, concerts including The Rolling Stones

St James' Park is another impressive venue, with the stadium offering a spectacular view over the city of Newcastle.

The stadium has hosted various international fixtures and there can be a fantastic atmosphere when Newcastle are doing well.

7. Anfield

Team: Liverpool

Capacity: 53,394

Year Opened: 1884

Notable Events: Four matches at Euro 96, several FA Cup semifinals

One of the most famous stadiums in world football, Anfield has played host to many memorable European nights – such as the 4-0 win over Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semifinal – with You'll Never Walk Alone ringing around the ground.

Anfield has undergone much redevelopment over the years and you can feel the club's rich history throughout the stadium. 

6. Etihad Stadium

Team: Manchester City

Capacity: 53,400

Year Opened: 2002

Notable Events: 2002 Commonwealth Games, concerts including Take That, 2008 UEFA Cup final, Manchester City vs QPR 2012.

Previously known as the City of Manchester Stadium, City's ground is a suitable stage for Pep Guardiola's array of superstars. It was here that Sergio Aguero scored his injury time winner against QPR on the last day of the 2011/12 season to clinch City's first league title in over 30 years.

Although its atmosphere has been criticised at times, the stadium itself is of a very high standard and there are several other sporting venues nearby. Before being taken over by City the stadium was used for the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

5. Emirates Stadium

Team: Arsenal

Capacity: 60,704

Year Opened: 2006

Notable Events: 2022 Rugby League World Cup matches, concerts including Coldplay

When Arsenal left their Highbury home in 2006 they moved to the nearby Emirates Stadium, which appeared somewhat futuristic at the time.

Mikel Arteta has brought the feel good factor back to the Gunners and a positive atmosphere at their north London ground.

4. London Stadium

Team: West Ham

Capacity: 62,500

Year Opened: 2012 (West Ham became tenants in 2016)

Notable events: 2012 Olympics, 2019 MLB London Series, 2015 Rugby World Cup

Many West Ham fans were sceptical about the club's move from Upton Park to London Stadium, with the ground much more suited for athletics than football, as the 2012 Olympics showed.

However, the Hammers now seem fully settled in at the ground, with the atmosphere having often been very impressive as David Moyes' side have also hosted European teams this season.

3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Team: Tottenham

Capacity: 62,850

Year Opened: 2019 

Notable events: NFL London Games, Boxing: Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk

Tottenham's ground covers the site of their former White Hart Lane home. It's purpose-built to host various sports, with separate facilities for footballers and NFL players.

The stadium looks spectacular and is certainly one of the more eye-catching new venues.

2. Old Trafford

Team: Manchester United 

Capacity: 74,310

Year Opened: 1910

Notable events: England internationals, three 1966 World Cup games, five Euro 96 games

Having increased capacity by many thousands of seats during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Old Trafford is in need of a revamp, but it remains one of the most recognisable stadiums and has hosted many memorable matches. 

England often used Old Trafford while the new Wembley was being built and there is always a great sense of occasion when games are played there.

1. Wembley

Team: England national team

Capacity: 90,000

Year Opened: 2007

Notable events: Euro 2020 final, FA Cup finals, 2011 and 2013 Champions League finals

The venue for England's sole World Cup victory in 1966, the rebuilding of English football's home was hit by many delays but it was worth the wait and the stadium has also hosted many other sporting events as well as concerts.

Every English footballer dreams of playing at Wembley and it remains the biggest football stadium in the country.

Jeorge Bird