Why are England in Nations League League B and what do they need to do to gain promotion?

10/10/2024 09:52 AM

England continue their Nations League campaign this evening, but they are in a different division to last time out.

The Three Lions take on Greece this evening in their third game of the tournament, live on talkSPORT.

This year, Lee Carsley’s side are competing in Group 2 of League B alongside Ireland, Finland and Greece.

That is a step down from the last campaign when England were a part of League A and here’s why that’s the case…

Why are England in Nations League League B?

England are in League B of the Nations League after being relegated.

The Three Lions lost 1-0 to Italy in September 2022 and the result confirmed that they would drop down.

It was a torrid campaign for Gareth Southgate‘s side who failed to win any of their League A Group 3 games, finishing bottom.

Two draws against Germany and two defeats to Hungary, one of which was a 4-0 loss at home, were damaging results.

Their loss to Italy then led to them experiencing relegation to the second tier of the competition.

After that defeat, Southgate and his side were booed by their supporters and the former boss admitted the results weren’t good enough.

He said: “I understand the reaction at the end. That’s the results that we have had in this competition. It is an understandable emotional reaction.”

It means life post-Southgate will now begin in League B under the interim leadership of Carsley.

England therefore can’t win the Nations League this campaign as only teams in League A can do so.

But the aim will be to go straight back up and below you can read just how they can achieve promotion…

What’s needed for promotion?

Finishing top of their League B group would secure automatic promotion to League A again.

Although, if England don’t finish top there is still a chance to get promoted.

Coming second will enter the Three Lions into a two-game play-off that if they win, will secure them qualification.

It’s been a great start for the Three Lions, and they are on course for taking top spot after back-to-back wins.

Carsley won his first match as interim boss against the Republic of Ireland.

Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish wrapped up the three points before Harry Kane scored twice on his 100th England appearance to ensure the Three Lions beat Finland.

You can follow their next Nations League game against Greece on talkSPORT this evening.

Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former England captain Stuart Pearce.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

Listen via the talkSPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.