England: Nations League preview

Last updated : 18 August 2024 By Three Lions

England return to action in the autumn for a Nations League campaign against the Republic of Ireland, Greece and Finland.

Lee Carsley will have a low-key start to his time in interim charge after relegation to League B of the Nations League in 2022.

That marked the low point of Gareth Southgate's reign as England failed to win a single game from six against Hungary, Italy and Germany, the home hammering by the Hungarians at Molineux a particularly bad memory.

It means England now take on three sides outside of the top 50 in the FIFA rankings, with both Ireland and Greece under new management after recent failures to reach major tournament finals.

Ireland made the surprise announcement recently that Stephen Kenny was to be replaced by Heimir Hallgrimsson.

Although the news blindsided many in the Irish game, England fans will be well aware of the most famous result in Hallgrimsson's managerial career when he was in joint-charge of his native Iceland at Euro 2016.

He will be assisted by John O'Shea after a solid spell as interim manager by the former Manchester United defender.

Greece have chosen Ivan Jovanovic as their new man in charge, Gus Poyet having come close to steering them to qualification for Euro 2024 only to be denied by a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Georgia in the play-off final.

Finland still have the same man in charge as when they made history by reaching Euro 2020, Markku Kanerva having recently signed a contract extension.

In their most recent outing, the Finns fought back from two goals down to draw at Hampden Park in June and can still count on the services of their record goalscorer, former Norwich City striker Teemo Pukki.