LONDON: England could play home games around the country from 2018 if an NFL team bases itself at Wembley.

The Football Association is obliged to hold matches at the stadium until 2017 but wants an American Football franchise to replace those revenues.

England played at Old Trafford, Villa Park, Stadium of Light, St James’ Park, St Mary’s and Leicester before Wembley’s revamp was finished in 2007.

The first of three NFL games to be held at Wembley in 2014 –Miami Dolphins’ 38-14 win over the Oakland Raiders – was played in front of 83,436 fans.

The other two games – Atlanta Falcons v Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars v Dallas Cowboys – have also sold out.

England lost 1-0 to Spain at Old Trafford in February 2007 in their most recent home match away from Wembley

Club England chief executive Adrian Bevington suggested on Twitter last month that it could be eight or nine years before the cost of rebuilding Wembley was recouped and England might be able to tour the country again.

He said: “Wembley has to be paid for. The reality is that the FA has to put [an] events calendar on to do this. When [we are] debt free in 8/9 years, [we will have] more choice.”

Last year, Wembley managing director Roger Maslin said he was confident the stadium could stage a whole season of eight NFL games.

“Football is our priority. But yes, I’m absolutely confident that if the NFL wanted to have franchise here then we could absolutely do it,” he said.

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