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

talksport.com, 17 November 2024, 15:24

England concludes their Nations League campaign this evening, with a chance to return to the competition's top division.

The Three Lions seized control of their destiny by exacting revenge on Greece following a 3-0 win in Athens on Thursday.

England know they need a strong finish in Group 2 of League B to right the wrongs from their relegation last campaign.

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.

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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 Molineux, were damaging results.

Their loss to Euro 2020 conquerors 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.

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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 meant life post-Southgate started 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...

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What's needed for promotion?

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

However, if England doesn'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.

However, England put themselves in full control to qualify in top spot after a convincing 3-0 triumph away in Greece.

The Three Lions were stunned 2-1 by the Euro 2004 winners at Wembley last month to end interim boss Lee Carsley's perfect start.

Carsley has now grabbed the last laugh in his penultimate match in interim charge before Thomas Tuchel's arrival.

England can now seal automatic promotion in their final match against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday - the country Carsley represented internationally as a player.

You can follow their Nations League finale with our dedicated talkSPORT.com live blog HERE.

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Read full version: https://talksport.com/football/2031124/england-nations-league-b-group-why-relegated-promotion/

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