Matches at Wimbledon are being watched in full arenas ©Getty Images

Sports stadiums across England are set to return to full capacity from July 19 after the British Government announced the next stage in the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The proposal, which will be voted upon in the House of Commons on July 12, would lift all remaining restrictions in the country.

While social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing will be scrapped, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said some venues may choose to make use of the National Health Service vaccine passport for entry.

"From step four we will remove all legal limits on the numbers meeting indoors and outdoors," Johnson said at a news conference.

"We will allow all businesses to reopen, including nightclubs, we will lift the limit on named visitors to care homes and the numbers of people attending concerts, theatre and sports events."

England's 2-0 Euro 2020 win over Germany at Wembley Stadium last week was watched by a crowd of more than 40,000 and, after July 19, English sports stadiums are set for full capacity ©Getty Images
England's 2-0 Euro 2020 win over Germany at Wembley Stadium last week was watched by a crowd of more than 40,000 and, after July 19, English sports stadiums are set for full capacity ©Getty Images

The move means there could be full stadiums for the start of the new Premier League football season, which starts on August 13.

There will also be the prospect of packed stadiums during England's five-Test cricket series against India starting on August 4, and full crowds at the Goodwood horse racing festival at the end of this month.

Since the pandemic took hold, spectators have either been banned from English sporting events or, latterly, allowed in limited numbers.

Test events with higher attendances have been held in recent months as part of a Government pilot programme.

As part of the trials, Wimbledon has been allowed to have capacity crowds, starting with the quarter-final matches.