Southgate’s side currently sit second in their group in between Spain and Croatia, but promotion and relegation are still possible for the Three Lions
Only one round of the UEFA Nations League remains, with plenty of outcomes and possibilities still on the table – so what are England’s chances of winning their group ahead of Spain and Croatia?
Only Portugal has made it to the final four next year so far, and Gareth Southgate’s side could join them with a win today – or be relegated with a loss or score draw.
Goal takes a look at the teams who will be promoted, relegated or handed a European Championship play-off spot.
The Three Lions are currently second in Group A4 with ahead of their final game, thanks to the 3-2 win over Spain in October. Prior to the game, England had picked up just one point in their opening two matches – losing against Spain at Wembley in the opening fixture and then drawing with Croatia – but can now challenge Spain as section-winners.
Croatia’s victory over La Roja however also ensures that they are in the mix now, with any one of the three able to reach next year’s finals.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| England | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Croatia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -5 | 4 |
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| Date | Match | Time (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| November 18 | England vs Croatia | 2pm |
In order to win Group A4, England need to beat Croatia at Wembley today. Such a result will ensure that they are in the draw on December 3 for the finals next June.
If England successfully win their group, they will also automatically confirm a play-off spot in the UEFA Euro 2020 in the event that they do not make it to the tournament through the qualifying rounds.
Relegation for England is still possible. In the event that Croatia beat Spain – a team that they were defeated 6-0 by in September – they would only need to register a draw at Wembley to send England down the drop.
Relegation for England is a worrying possibility too after Croatia beat Spain. The World Cup semi-finalists, who knocked England out in Russia this year, will themselves progress to the finals with victory, or at least secure safety with a score draw. Either result will send the Three Lions out of League A, with the latter keeping Croatia up on away goals in head-to-head meetings between the two.
A goalless draw however would see England remain ahead thanks to a superior goal difference and send Croatia down instead.
In Group A1, Netherlands’ surprise victory over World Champions France has put the cat among the pigeons, with the Oranje able to leapfrog Les Bleus if they draw or win against Germany on Monday.
Joachim Low’s side are already relegated however, capping off a miserable 2018 for them.
In Group A2, Belgium sit in pole position ahead of Switzerland, with the two set to clash in Lucerne later today – and the hosts will unseat the Red Devils at the top with victory to send themselves through. Iceland are already relegated.
In Group A3, Portugal have already secured their place in the finals thanks to a draw with Italy while Poland have been relegated.
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