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The UEFA Nations League is a competition that has been staged since 2018. The reason for this league to be started was to end the practice of pointless friendly internationals spaced out through the football season and replace it with a meaningful competition. It has a lower impact than the Euros and World Cup, but is nevertheless considered of significance.
There are four divisions, each in two sections. Division A is the highest, D the lowest. At present England are in group B, and this game is the last in the group section this year. Following a disappointing performance at home to Greece, followed by an excellent game last Thursday England are top of the group, level on points with Greece. If England, playing Ireland at Wembley, match or beat Greece’s performance against Finland, they will win automatic promotion for next season. Finland are already relegated, Ireland have only pride to play for, but their matches against England are always feisty.
However England must remember that last December, the Lionesses were in a similar position, playing Scotland at Wembley whilst the Netherlands, with whom they were level on points, were playing Belgium. As the final whistle went, England winning 6 – 0, they were ahead on goal difference, but as they celebrated, Holland scored twice more, topped the group, and took the vacant place in the Olympics. So in this match, England and Greece have everything to play for.
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