Newcastle United and England – Lionesses first up tonight at St James’ Park

England have descended on Newcastle United and St James’ Park.

This has been a massive coup for our football club.

First up tonight, we have the first ever Lionesses visit to St James’ Park, as the national England women’s team take on France in a European Championship group qualifier.

Then three nights later it is the England men’s team, playing their only pre-Euros friendly outside of Wembley, at St James’ Park. Bosnia & Herzegovina the opponents, a closing a two decades gap since the last time the national (men’s) side played on Tyneside.

Every chance Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier will be on the pitch and the friendly sold out, tickets have also sold well for the Lionesses but there are some still left, so don’t miss out if you fancy it.

I have just checked the weather forecast and even that is doing its bit.

No rain predicted in Newcastle this afternoon and tonight, with indeed some sunshine and 16 degrees forecast.

Even better on Monday, sunshine and a heady 19 degrees.

A perfect weekend looks to lie ahead, an opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy our brilliant city.

A lot of important dates for Newcastle United fans coming up this summer, so we have compiled the following calendar to watch out for, including plenty of England appointments:

Friday 31 March 2024 – First ever time the Lionesses playing at St James’ Park. England women’s team v France in European Championship group qualifier.

Saturday 1 June 2024 – Champions League final at Wembley.

England v Bosnia & Herzegovina  (Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier) Friendly

England v Iceland (Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier) Friendly

Friday 7 June 2024 – Launch of first replica kit of new Adidas deal, the 2024/25 Newcastle United home shirt.

Friday 7 2024 – The very final deadline for Gareth Southgate and the other national managers to name their official squads for the European Championships.

Friday 14 June 2024 – European Championship 2024 finals  in Germany kick-off, with numerous NUFC players potentially involved.

Friday 14 June 2024 – Summer transfer window opens.

England v Serbia (Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier) Euros Group match

Tuesday 18 June 2024 – Premier League fixtures released at 9am.

England v Denmark (Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier) Euros Group match

England v Slovenia (Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier) Euros Group match

Sunday 14 July 2024 – European Championships final.

Wednesday 31 July – Urawa Red Diamonds v Newcastle United friendly in Japan, playing at the 62,000 capacity Saitama Stadium, the largest football-specific stadium in Japan.

Saturday 3 August – Yokohama F Marinos v Newcastle United friendly at the National Stadium in Toyko.

Saturday 17 August 2024 – Weekend that 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off.

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

Wednesday 1 January 2025 – Winter transfer window opens.

Monday 3 February 2025 – Winter transfer window closes at 11pm.

Sunday 25 May 2025 – The final round of 2024/25 Premier League fixtures will be played.