February 13 – England will play Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic in the Nations League following the tournament’s draw on Thursday. Ireland were paired with Israel.
Following promotion to the A-League, the Three Lions will take on 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 pass masters. England and Croatia met at both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.
On Thursday, Thomas Tuchel extended his contract as England manager through to Euro 2028.
Wales, newcomers in the A League, will face Portugal, Denmark and Norway. In the B League, Scotland will encounter Switzerland, Slovenia, North Macedonia while Ireland will meet Israel, Austria and Kosovo.
Ireland – Israel will be a politically charged game. Last year, the FAI voted in favour of motion calling for Israel FA’s suspension from club and international competitions. In a statement, the FAI said they will ‘fulfill’ the two fixtures.
“While consultation has taken place with Uefa officials, the association does recognise that Uefa regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited, and further disciplinary measures may follow – including potential disqualification from the competition,” read the statement.
Last year, the Israelis played World Cup qualifiers against Italy, Norway and Estonia in the Hungarian city of Debrecen. They will have 120 days before the deadline to submit a neutral venue.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said, as quoted by the Irish Times: “I need to focus on the football. My opinion is not relevant in this case. I hope when we play [Israel], the supporters will support Ireland and support us to do a good job.”
Elsewhere, France, Italy, Belgium and Turkey will contest Group A1 and Germany, the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece complete Group A2.
The fifth edition of the Nations League will kick off in September and concludes in June 2027. Portugal have won the tournament twice. Last June, they defeated neighbours Spain from the penalty spot in the final.
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