The Nations League is back, bringing European heritage to International football. Just two months ago, Spain lifted EURO 2024, edging past England in Berlin, and they return as champions for the fourth edition of the tournament.
Here are the key stories to know ahead of the upcoming clashes over the six days:
Will Spain’s momentum continue?
Spain’s return to dominance is up for grabs after their huge triumphs at the Euros and their Olympic gold medal in Paris.
Having won the last edition of the Nations League, Luis de la Fuente’s side will look to defend their crown. Group 4 of League A kicks off with La Roja facing Serbia, followed by a trip to Geneva to face Switzerland and a final clash with Denmark to complete the group.
“We will keep fighting and trying to go as far as possible in every competition,” insisted De la Fuente.
New faces Oscar Mingueza, of Celta Vigo, and Pepelu Valencia midfielder are part of the side alongside the shining wing stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Injuries have kept Alvaro Morata, Unai Simon, and Mikel Merino out of the squad.
England’s new chapter
A fresh horizon has dawned for England after Gareth Southgate stepped down.
Consecutive EURO final defeats have given way for the England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley to take up the role on an interim basis. The 50-year-old manager has a set of games this week as the Three Lions face Ireland in Dublin and host Finland at Wembley.
The English Football Association is taking its time to find a suitable replacement for Southgate, with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers beginning only next March.
Carsley could gain some credential scores with some good results in the Nations League, as they also end their group with a game against Greece, after a horrendous relegation from the top-tier League A following the last time out.
Despite the squad missing Jude Bellingham, there are some call-ups for Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Tino Livramento and Angel Gomes.
The Ronaldo saga
Even though the Euro 2024 ended in absolute disappointment for Cristiano Ronaldo. Many assumed that the 39-year-old might accept reality and retire, but the 5 goalless games in the Euro did not stop Roberto Martinez from naming the former Real Madrid icon in the squad.
Portugal will begin their campaign against Croatia and Scotland at home in Group 1 of League A, as they aim for a second Nations League after an inaugural triumph in 2019.
With Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos injured, Ronaldo is likely to start.
“When the time comes, I’ll move on,” Ronaldo said
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Newcomers and Returning Stars
New Icelandic coach Heimir Hallgrimsson will meet England in his first game in charge, after the 57-year-old was appointed in July with a mission to lead the team in World Cup qualifying.
Wales sees a new management uncover under Craig Bellamy after Rob Page failed to reach the Euros.
Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson’s first competitive match as Sweden boss is also underway, followed by Mircea Lucescu’s second stint returning after 38 years as Romania boss.
Looks like England is not alone.
Taking the Long Road
We have entered the fourth edition of the Nations League, but the complicated format has a new twist. The introduction of quarter-finals next March between the top two from each group in the League will give way for a four-team final in June 2025.
There will be relegation/promotion play-offs between teams finishing third in League A and second in League B, with similar clashes between Leagues B and C.
From European qualifying, the 12 group winners will secure direct World Cup spots, while play-offs will decide the remaining 4 which involves the 12 runners-up and the top 4 Nations League teams without qualification.
A complicated twist in the tale.