Following promotion to the A-League, the Three Lions will face familiar foes Spain and Croatia, as well as the Czechs. The English won their group in the 2018/19 Nations League when they were paired with Spain and Croatia.
Two summers ago, England lost the final of the European Championship against the Iberian Pasmasters. England and Croatia met at both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
Thomas Tuchel extended his contract as England coach until the 2028 European Championship on Thursday.
Wales, newcomers to the A League, will face Portugal, Denmark and Norway. In the B League, Scotland will meet Switzerland, Slovenia and North Macedonia, while Ireland will meet Israel, Austria and Kosovo.
Ireland – Israel will be a politically charged game. Last year, the FAI voted in favor of the motion calling for the suspension of the Israeli FA from club and international competitions. In a statement, the FAI said they will ‘fulfill’ the two matches.
“While consultations have taken place with UEFA officials, the association recognizes that UEFA rules state that if an association refuses to play a match, that match will be forfeited and further disciplinary action may follow – including possible disqualification from the competition,” the statement said.
Last year, the Israelis played World Cup qualifiers against Italy, Norway and Estonia in the Hungarian city of Debrecen. They have 120 days before the deadline to file a neutral location.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said, as quoted by the Irish Times: “I have to concentrate on the football. My opinion is not relevant in this case. I hope that when we play [Israel]the supporters will support Ireland and support us to do a good job.”
Elsewhere, France, Italy, Belgium and Turkey compete in Group A1, with Germany, the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece completing Group A2.
The fifth edition of the Nations League will start in September and end in June 2027. Portugal has won the tournament twice. Last June they defeated neighboring Spain from the penalty spot in the final.
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