After a long corona break, football is coming back slowly to full swing in Europe. After the dramatic completion of UEFA Champions league and Europa league, now it's time for the second edition of the biennial tournament UEFA nations league. Now it's time for countries to sweat. All 55 of UEFA members will compete in 4 group leagues, from today. Group A, B and C consists of 16 teams each and 7 teams in D. Teams are divided according to current FIFA World rankings.
START
Proposal came in UEFA for a third national competition in 2013 , after FIFA World cup and Euro Cup. The matches were planned to be set on international friendly dates. As the tournament format was league, all teams would get chance to perform, improve quality and financial benefits. Also, media coverage helps to bring glamour of football players and tournament to low ranked countries. It is also linked to the qualifications of Euro Cup and FIFA World Cup Tournaments.
In the first Championship, Portugal beat Netherlands 1-0 in the final to lift the cup. England and Switzerland were on 3 and 4th positions respectively. Higher teams from groups B,C and D will be promoted and lower teams will be delegated. Groups are further divided into 4 sub groups. Four groups champions will compete in the finals , which will be 2 semi finals and final.
Group A
Portugal
Netherlands
Belgium
England
Switzerland
France
Spain
Italy
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ukraine
Denmark
Sweden
Croatia
Germany
Poland
Iceland
Group A included most of the big tough teams of Europe. Spain plays against Germany in the first match of Group A.
England - a glorious time
The Coach
After the frustrating second round loss to Iceland in Euro 2016, England chaged to a better side. They changed playing style under coach Gareth Southgate. The result was coming and was clearly visible from their 2018 Russia World Cup 4th place finish.
Instead of long air balls to attacking, they started using fast passes to intrude into opponents territory.
Young England.
English team is young, but experienced from the biggest domestic club league in the world. Captain Harry Kane has played 45 international matches , and has a prolific scoring ability. Along side Kane, joins Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Delle Ali, Mason Mount. Pickford or Dean Henderson will be at goal.
Along with Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley, Jesse Lingard, young Players like Phil Foden, Greelish, James Maddison joins at midfield.
UCL sucess
In recent years, English clubs have performed well in UCL. In 2018 , it was all England Semi. Also in Europa league, it was English final. English players were key in the success of the club's.
Also, after pandemic, many of the players and clubs were not practicing. Return of English premier league and matches at UCL and Europa league will be helpful for the team. Because of the late finish of league, players are coming with fresh legs.
Tactical approach.
May clubs tried 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 in recent months. But, England will be playing 4-3-3 in the tournament.
In the absence of Maguire, Tomori and Chilwell will be Centre Backs. Danny Rose at left and Trent Arnold at Right wings.
Jordan Henderson will be at centre as midfielder along withMason Mount and Jesse Lingaard.
Captain Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Sterling would start as forwards but Jadon Sancho have more chance as right forward as he is more experienced.
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