David Unsworth
Hill Dickinson Stadium is poised to make history on Tuesday as it hosts its first international match between Scotland and Ivory Coast. This event marks a significant milestone for Everton’s new home, which will also stage a Women’s World Cup qualifier and has been selected for the 2028 European Championships. The stadium, with a capacity of 52,769, is set to welcome a larger crowd than Goodison Park did for its last international fixture in 1995.
David Unsworth said: “I was in Magaluf with the Everton squad. Joe had taken us away to celebrate the FA Cup win and I got a call on the Wednesday to say I’d been selected and that I needed to get the next available flight home. I trained on the Thursday and Friday at Bisham Abbey and then Terry Venables, who I loved working with, told me that I would be starting on the Saturday against Japan. There was me, Gary Neville, John Scales and Stan Collymore all making our England debuts.”
David Unsworth added: “I remember walking up that long tunnel at the old Wembley before the Brazil game and meeting Pele. He shook my hand and we had a very quick conversation although I have to say I was overawed and didn’t know what to say!”
The last international match at Goodison Park featured world champions Brazil against Japan in the Umbro Cup. The match was notable not only for the star-studded lineup of Brazil, including Ronaldo, Dunga, and Rivaldo, but also for the ticketing mishaps that left thousands of fans outside the stadium. Despite the challenges, the match drew significant interest, highlighting the allure of international football in Liverpool.
The upcoming match at Hill Dickinson Stadium promises to be a different experience. With over 30,000 tickets already sold, the anticipation is high for this historic encounter. Everton’s new stadium is expected to provide a seamless experience for fans, avoiding the logistical issues that marred the 1995 event. Tickets for the Scotland vs. Ivory Coast match are available through the Everton website, by phone, or at the stadium’s box office, with prices starting at £27 for adults and £16 for under-16s.
As Everton’s new home prepares to host its first international fixture, the club and its supporters look forward to a memorable evening that will set the tone for future international events at the stadium.
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