England have been handed a brutal draw on their return to the top table of Nations League football. The Three Lions will take on Spain, Croatia, and Czechia in what could be seen as a Group of Death for Thomas Tuchel’s men, who will first attempt to win the World Cup this summer.
England’s sobering draw
England have returned to the Nations League top table, and have been drawn into a group that includes defending European champions Spain, Croatia, and Czechia. The Three Lions, of course, played Spain in that European Championships final, going down 2-1 in what proved to be Gareth Southgate’s final game in charge.
Wales, who have also been promoted to League A, face a tough assignment too, as they take on Nations League holders Portugal, as well as Erling Haaland’s Norway and Denmark.
Kylian Mbappe’s France face a tricky assignment against both Italy and Belgium, as well as Turkiye, with the final group being rounded out by Germany, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Greece.
The League A group stage draw is as follows:
- Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Türkiye
- Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece
- Group A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czech Republic
- Group A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales
Irish probabilities
Northern Eire have been drawn in opposition to Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia in League B, whereas the Republic of Eire will face Israel, Austria, and Kosovo. Scotland face Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
The rest of the draw is as follows:
League B
- Group B1: Scotland, Switzerland, Slovenia, North Macedonia
- Group B2: Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Northern Ireland
- Group B3: Israel, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kosovo
- Group B4: Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Sweden
League C
- Group C1: Albania, Finland, Belarus, San Marino
- Group C2: Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, Gibraltar/Latvia*
- Group C3: Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, Moldova
- Group C4: Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg/Malta*
League D
- Group D1: Gibraltar/Latvia, Luxembourg/Malta, Andorra
- Group D2: Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein
*Gibraltar and Latvia, and Luxembourg and Malta, shall be concerned in play-offs in March to find out who will play in Leagues C and D.
Eire’s Israel objection
The Soccer Affiliation of Eire (FAI) have beforehand signed a movement to name on UEFA to ban Israel from the competitors.
Nonetheless, it seems they’re ready to satisfy the fixture.
An announcement stated: “Whereas session has taken place with UEFA officers, the affiliation does recognise that UEFA rules define that if an affiliation refuses to play a match then that fixture shall be forfeited and additional disciplinary measures might comply with — together with potential disqualification from the competitors.”
What comes subsequent?
The Nations League begins in September, and the fixtures shall be performed between then and November of 2026.
Thomas Tuchel prolonged his contract into 2028 on Thursday, and so will handle the Three Lions by the event.
He stated: “I’m very blissful and proud to increase my time with England.
“It’s no secret to anybody that I’ve cherished each minute to this point of working with my gamers and coaches, and I can’t wait to cause them to the World Cup.
“It’s an unimaginable alternative and we’re going to do our absolute best to make the nation proud.”
He can even take cost of England at Euro 2028, including: “I’ve had a lot help from [FA chief executive] Mark [Bullingham], all my colleagues on the FA and from followers wherever I’m going that I didn’t hesitate when requested to proceed on this dream job.
“Euro 2028 shall be a really particular event and as a coach there may be nothing extra you need than to compete with the perfect on the most important potential stage.”
