Arnold Clark Cup: Are low crowds a concern before home Euros?

The inaugural Arnold Clark Cup tournament was a success for the hosts on the pitch — but were low attendances a cause of concern for England before July's European Championship?

Despite the fact all four competing nations were ranked inside the world's top 10 — and Spain fielded Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas — the six matches attracted an average crowd of just 6,300.

That figure is skewed somewhat too — England were the only nation who had a crowd of more than 1,000 at all of their games.

The Lionesses were well supported. In their opening game against Canada in Middlesbrough — during Storm Eunice — they had more than 8,700 in attendance, while the draw with Spain attracted 14,284 to Carrow Road.

England's historic win over Germany on home soil also attracted 13,463 but the matches between the other three nations were barely watched. Was this a sign of things to come?

There were just 249 fans at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium last Thursday for the tournament's opening game, as Germany drew 1-1 with Spain.

Mitigating circumstances played a part — the weather was horrible, there was disruption to public transport and tickets were sold separately despite England's match with Canada kicking off five hours later.

It is understood plans to sell tickets as part of a double-header was always intended but Covid restrictions, including cleaning areas and shared changing rooms, meant it was not feasible.

And despite two-time world champions Germany being in town, alongside a Spain side that named nine Champions League winners in their starting XI, it was a disappointing turnout.

Germany midfielder Lina Magull said after the game: «We had hoped for a greater audience, especially in such a nice stadium. It would've felt much better.