The draw for the 2024-2025 UEFA Nations League has placed England in a challenging Group A3 alongside Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. This announcement coincided with the news that head coach Thomas Tuchel has signed a contract extension, which includes overseeing the team through the Nations League and the 2028 European Championships hosted in England.
This draw comes as a significant moment for England, especially following the heartbreak of losing to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 in Germany. That match was notable as it marked the end of Gareth Southgate‘s tenure as head coach. Under Tuchel’s leadership, the team will aim to reclaim its competitive edge against formidable foes.
Group Dynamics and Other Nations
In addition to England’s fixtures, Wales has been placed in Group A4, where they will face the current Nations League champions, Portugal, as well as Denmark and Norway. Meanwhile, Steve Clarke‘s Scotland will compete in Group B1 against fellow World Cup 2026 qualifiers Switzerland, along with Slovenia and North Macedonia.
The Republic of Ireland will meet Israel, Austria, and Kosovo in Group B3, while Northern Ireland draws Hungary, Ukraine, and Georgia in Group B2. These matchups highlight the competitive landscape of European football as nations prepare for their respective challenges.
Competition Timeline
The Nations League group matches are scheduled to take place in the autumn, with four matches planned between late September and early October. The final two matches of the group stage will occur in November. Important dates for the knockout phase include the quarter-finals and promotion-relegation play-offs, set for March 2027. The culmination of the tournament will see the final four teams compete in the Nations League finals in June.
This upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter for European football, as teams strive not only for the Nations League title but also to solidify their standings ahead of the 2028 European Championships. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can anticipate thrilling matches and intense rivalries in the months ahead.
