England v Australia match SOLD OUT at Sunderland's Stadium of Light

A capacity crowd will welcome the Three Lions to Wearside later this week, with tickets for the game at the Stadium of Light now sold out.

Tens of thousands of football fans will be heading to the home of Sunderland AFC for the game, which is the second of England’s three warm up matches ahead of the Euro 2016 tournament next month.

Excitement is building as Sunderland gets ready to welcome officials and supporters from the England and Australia teams, with events and activities across the city to mark the occasion. The Stadium of Light is also bedecked in England colours, for what will be its highest profile game in over a decade.

On the day of the game a huge Fan Zone will be open outside the stadium from 3pm, featuring live music from Frankie and the Heartstrings, games and activities for all the family and food and bar outlets. Stadium turnstiles will open at 5.45pm, and supporters are asked to make their way into the stadium well in advance of the 7.45pm kick off.

Sunderland AFC’s commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “It is fantastic to see that the game has sold out and it highlights the capacity and desire for major events here in the city and wider North East region.

“I am sure that both teams and the many thousands of visitors coming to the city will receive a very warm welcome from the people of Sunderland. We encourage everyone attending the game to plan their journey in advance as roads and public transport networks will be busy and come along early to enjoy the pre-match build up and we are very much looking forward to a fantastic occasion.”