This week brings the first games of the much-discussed UEFA Nations League – the league that UEFA has introduced in an attempt to make international matches more competitive. For those who are not sure what it actually is (there are plenty of people asking the question), the format involves 55 European nations who are split into four leagues.
The leagues are based on rankings, so each team should be playing against teams of a similar level to each other. The top four in League A then play a mini-tournament next summer to decide a champion. This replaces the meaningless friendlies against teams made up of part-time builders etc. so surely it can only be a good thing? Here is what some of the managers had to say about it:
Gareth Southgate on what it means for England
Gareth Southgate sees the Nations League as “Opportunities for competitive games against the best countries in Europe.” On the back of England’s good World Cup campaign, they now face Spain this week and they should be going into the match full of confidence. It also gives his players the experience of playing against the world’s top players before they are in the more pressurized environment of a big tournament.
UEFA Nations League offers something even more for Wales
For Wales, manager Ryan Giggs says the UEFA Nations League can be seen as another route into the Euros. Wales are in League B and if they were to finish top of the league they go into League A. Qualifying for Euro 2020 will start in March 2019 to determine 20 of the 24 places at the finals. The other 4 spots can be achieved through the UEFA Nations League.
The positive reception of it being an extra route into the Euros is echoed by Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland managers who are all very supportive of the new formation and the way it should make games more competitive.