The Nations League takes centre stage once more this week as the international break returns and countries across the continent enter competitive matches once more, of a fashion at least. While Uefa’s newest international adventure still divides opinion - and seriousness in team selections, perhaps - this season’s version does come with the usual backup qualifying spots for the next major international men’s tournament, in this case the 2026 World Cup. In practice that means the four best group winners from the Nations League who don’t finish in the top two in World Cup qualifying groups will earn another shot at reaching USA, Mexico and Canada, by way of the playoffs.
Here’s where England , the home nations and the rest of the major nations stand as we head into match rounds three and four. The only British representative in League A this time around is Scotland , but Steve’s Clarke’s side need a good break to avoid the prospect of immediate relegation. They’ve lost two from two in Group A1 and have a host of injuries to contend with ahead of matches against Croatia and Portugal.
Finishing last in the four-nation groups means going straight down, while third faces a relegation playoff now - but the Scots have won just once in over a year now, spanning 14 games. Lee Carsley has a somewhat easier task as interim boss of the Three Lions, with England in B2 and cruising after two wins from two. They play Greece next who also have six points, then Finland again.
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