England set for immediate World Cup rematch as tricky Nations League group revealed

England have discovered their opponents for the 2026/27 Nations League.

The Three Lions will take on Spain, Croatia and Czechia in Group 3 of League A.

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They previously met both Spain and Croatia during the first edition of the Nations League eight years ago.

Meanwhile, England are set to take on the latter in the group stage of this summer’s World Cup.

It will also be their first meeting with Spain since losing the final of Euro 2024.

As for Czechia, they have won just one of their five meetings with the Three Lions.

The latest edition of the Nations League marks England’s return to the top division following promotion in 2024.

Lee Carsley oversaw a successful campaign during his interim spell in charge before Thomas Tuchel took over last year.

His side suffered just one defeat as they picked up five victories in a group which included Greece, the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

England had been relegated from League A in 2022 after failing to win any of their six matches.

On that occasion, they were beaten home and away by Hungary, including a 4-0 thrashing at Molineux.

Meanwhile, their best performance was a third-place finish after reaching the play-offs of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

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When will the Nations League get started?

League phase matches will be played between September and November of this year.

The top two sides in each League A group will advance to the quarter-finals, with the last-placed nations relegated.

Countries finishing third will contest the relegation play-offs against runners-up from League B.

The quarter-finals and play-offs will take place in March 2027 ahead of the Nations League Finals in June 2027.

Tuchel will be at the helm for England’s Nations League campaign after signing a new contract with the FA on Thursday.

His previous deal had been due to expire after this summer’s World Cup.

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However, he has now extended his tenure with the national team until the end of Euro 2028.

The next instalment of the Euros will be co-hosted by England alongside the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

As for the home nations in the Nations League, Scotland have been drawn in B1 with Switzerland, Slovenia and North Macedonia.

Wales have been drawn in Group A4 with Portugal, Denmark and Norway.

Republic of Ireland will be facing Israel, Austria & Kosovo in Group B3, while Northern Ireland take on Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia in Group B2.

Tuchel’s reaction

Tuchel has spoken to talkSPORT to give his thoughts on the Nations League draw for England.

He said: “A lot of stories around it, it’s a difficult draw, I think that was clear from the start. 

“We were in pot 3, so very strong opponents in the other pots. 

“Lee Carsley made sure that we are back in League A, that’s where we want to be. It’s very competitive, but exactly what we need.”