Wembley's top tier closed for England's friendly against Norway with less than 40,000 expected to attend

  • England face Norway in a friendly in first match after World Cup
  • Wembley will be at less than half capacity with less than 40,000 expected
  • Top tier of 90,000-seat arena will be closed due to poor attendance 

By Sam Cunningham for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:34 EST, 2 September 2014 | Updated: 16:34 EST, 2 September 2014

The top tier of Wembley Stadium will be closed for the first time at an England game because of the poor crowd expected for Wednesday’s friendly against Norway.

The FA expect between 35,000 and 40,000 — less than half the 90,000 capacity.

That would make it the lowest attendance since the new stadium opened in 2007. The previous lowest was in November 2011 when 48,876 turned up for a friendly against Sweden.

Ghost town: Wembley will be at less than half capacity for England's friendly against Norway

Head scratch: England manager Roy Hodgson (right) and captain Wayne Rooney (left) are happy with 40,000

England attracted 68,573 against Denmark in March and 83,578 against Peru in May, their two friendlies before the World Cup. But the fans have voted with their feet in the wake of a diabolical performance at the World Cup — England’s worst in a finals since 1958.

England’s new captain Wayne Rooney insists the figures are still promising considering events in Brazil. He said: ‘It is lower than normal, but still 40,000 or so, which is great considering the disappointment at the World Cup.

‘We’re always grateful to the fans, their support is second to none. Hopefully we can repay them with some good performances and exciting, attractive football to qualify for Euro 2016. That starts when we play Norway.’

Opposition: Norway train at Wembley on Tuesday ahead of the international friendly

England manager Roy Hodgson added: ‘We can’t turn back the clock, we can’t play Uruguay and Italy again. We can only play the game against Norway. 

'We are desperate to entertain the crowd who turn up. We’ve played matches against opponents who will not pull crowds in — San Marino, Moldova — in the last few years and had fantastic support. 

'We had a group of fans in Brazil who were fantastic. We’re happy with 40,000.’

Preparation: England begin their road to Euro 2016 after a disappointing World Cup

Loosen up: England trained at London Colney on Monday ahead of the friendly

Hodgson also responded to claims by Norway defender Vegard Forren, who lasted only six months at Southampton and failed to play due to a lack of fitness, that Rooney ‘looks a bit chubby’. 

The Manchester United striker’s fitness has been criticised throughout his career, but he took two personal trainers on holiday before England’s pre-World Cup camp.

Rooney, who looks lean, claimed he was not interested in the comments and Hodgson said: ‘Wayne is in fantastic physical condition.’


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