LONDON,Sept.23 - Held every four years, the UEFA European Championship will be played as a ‘EURO for Europe' in summer 2020 with 13 different cities staging matches across the continent as part of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the competition.

The ‘Euro for Europe’ will reach its conclusion under the arch, where both semi-finals and the Final are to take place in Wembley Stadium.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “London is absolutely honoured to have been selected to host the semi-finals and Final of UEFA EURO 2020.

“I know that Wembley Stadium, the city and our passionate army of football fans will put on an extraordinary and spectacular event.

“This prestigious victory further underlines London’s status as an international power house for big sporting events with the iconic venues, city infrastructure and a warm welcome that’s world-beating.”

And after hearing the good news, FA Chairman Greg Dyke said the award will have a positive effect on all of English football. He said: “It will be a great honour to be part of what will surely be a superb celebration of 60 years of the UEFA European Championship.”

Wembley saw off a strong bid from Munich and its Allianz Arena to win the race to host EURO 2020’s conclusion and host a week of thrilling tournament football.

Dyke added: “Making UEFA EURO 2020 a tournament that is open and inclusive was a huge focus. Having seen the impact that a home Olympic Games had on young sportsmen and women in our country, I hope that UEFA EURO 2020 serves as a similar incentive for our most promising players to realise their full potential over the next six years.”

In all 24 nations that will take part in the finals following a qualifying programme, England previously hosted the 1996 edition, when they reached the semi-finals before losing on penalties to Germany at Wembley.

Minister for Sport Helen Grant also expressed her delight at the news: “I am thrilled that our bid has been successful and that Wembley will host the final games of Euro 2020. I am sure it will be a fantastic tournament and that we will put on a fitting climax to the competition. UEFA’s decision cements our reputation as one of the leading countries in the world for putting on major sporting events.”