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Football Insider

England face tough Nations League draw with Spain, Croatia, and Czech Republic in Group of Death

England have been drawn into a challenging Nations League group alongside Spain, Croatia, and Czech Republic, making it a tough return to the top table of international football. The Three Lions will be vying for success under coach Thomas Tuchel, who is also set to lead them in the upcoming World Cup.

England face tough Nations League draw with Spain, Croatia, and Czech Republic in Group of Death

England have been handed a brutal draw on their return to the top table of Nations League football. The Three Lions will take on Spain, Croatia, and Czechia in what could be seen as a Group of Death for Thomas Tuchel's men, who will first attempt to win the World Cup this summer. England have returned to the Nations League top table, and have been drawn into a group that includes defending European champions Spain, Croatia, and Czechia. The Three Lions, of course, played Spain in that European Championships final, going down 2-1 in what proved to be Gareth Southgate's final game in charge. Wales, who have also been promoted to League A, face a tough assignment too, as they take on Nations League holders Portugal, as well as Erling Haaland's Norway and Denmark.Kylian Mbappe's France face a tricky assignment against both Italy and Belgium, as well as Türkiye, with the final group being rounded out by Germany, the Netherlands, Serbia, and Greece. The League A group stage draw is as follows:Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Türkiye Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, GreeceGroup A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czech RepublicGroup A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, WalesNorthern Ireland have been drawn against Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia in League B, while the Republic of Ireland will face Israel, Austria, and Kosovo. Scotland face Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.The remainder of the draw is as follows:League BGroup B1: Scotland, Switzerland, Slovenia, North MacedoniaGroup B2: Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Northern IrelandGroup B3: Israel, Austria, Republic of Ireland, KosovoGroup B4: Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, SwedenLeague CGroup C1: Albania, Finland, Belarus, San MarinoGroup C2: Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, Gibraltar/Latvia*Group C3: Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, MoldovaGroup C4: Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg/Malta*League DGroup D1: Gibraltar/Latvia, Luxembourg/Malta, AndorraGroup D2: Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein*Gibraltar and Latvia, and Luxembourg and Malta, will be involved in play-offs in March to determine who will play in Leagues C and D.The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have previously signed a motion to call on UEFA to ban Israel from the competition. However, it appears they are prepared to fulfill the fixture. A statement said: "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."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingThe Nations League begins in September, and the fixtures will be played between then and November of 2026. Thomas Tuchel extended his contract into 2028 on Thursday, and so will manage the Three Lions through the tournament. He said: "I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England."It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup."It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud."He will also take charge of England at Euro 2028, adding: "I have had so much support from [FA chief executive] Mark [Bullingham], all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job."Euro 2028 will be a very special tournament and as a coach there is nothing more you want than to compete with the very best on the biggest possible stage."

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England's Tough Draw

England's return to the Nations League top tier has seen them placed in a formidable group featuring defending European champions Spain, Croatia, and Czech Republic. The draw presents a significant challenge for Thomas Tuchel's side, especially as they look to make an impact at the upcoming World Cup.

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Notable Group Matchups

Wales, also promoted to League A, face a stern test against Nations League holders Portugal, Norway with Erling Haaland, and Denmark. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe's France face strong opposition in Italy, Belgium, and Türkiye, highlighting the competitive nature of the group stage.

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Group Arrangements

The Nations League draw has set up intriguing matchups across the groups, with notable teams like Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, and Greece featuring in Group A2. Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Scotland also have challenging fixtures ahead in their respective groups across League B and League C.

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FAI's Fixture Controversy

The Football Association of Ireland's stance on the fixture against Israel has created some controversy, with concerns raised regarding potential disciplinary actions if the match is not played. Despite previous motions, it seems the FAI is prepared to fulfill the fixture as scheduled.

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Tuchel's Commitment and Ambitions

Following his contract extension, Thomas Tuchel expressed his enthusiasm for leading England in the upcoming World Cup and Euro 2028. Tuchel's dedication to the team and desire to make the country proud underscore his ambitions for success on the international stage.

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Upcoming Tournament Schedule

The Nations League matches are set to commence in September and run until November 2026, providing an exciting platform for top nations to compete. With Tuchel at the helm, England will look to navigate through their challenging group and make a mark in the tournament.

Published on Feb 12, 2026