England are closing in on qualification for the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League quarter-final stage after a strong start to their campaign, with Thomas Tuchel’s side well placed to reach the knockout rounds.
The Three Lions have won three of their opening four matches in League A, Group 3, and sit second in the table with nine points. Spain have already secured their place in the quarter-finals after winning all four of their matches, leaving England with two games remaining to determine their final position.
Although qualification is not yet mathematically confirmed, England are in a strong position ahead of the November international break.
England’s Route to the Nations League Quarter-Final
England began their campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley, but Tuchel’s side responded well by winning their next three matches.
They beat Czechia 2-0 away from home before recording an impressive 7-0 victory over Croatia. England then returned to Wembley and defeated Czechia 3-0, with 2026 Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane scoring twice and also contributing to an own goal.
Those results have left England six points clear of third-placed Croatia, with the Czech Republic bottom of the group without a point.
England’s dominant win over Croatia has also given them a significant advantage in the head-to-head record between the two sides. Croatia would need to win by eight unanswered goals at Wembley to overturn that advantage, making England’s position extremely strong.
A point from either of their remaining fixtures would guarantee qualification to the Nations League quarter-finals, although England will be aiming to finish as high as possible rather than simply secure a place in the last eight.
Who Could England Face in the Nations League Quarter-Final?
England’s final position in Group A3 will determine their potential opponents in the knockout rounds.
The four group winners will face the four runners-up in two-legged quarter-final ties, with the group winners receiving the advantage of playing the second leg at home. Teams from the same group cannot meet at this stage.
If England finish second behind Spain, they could face France, the Netherlands or Portugal in the Nations League quarter-final.
All three would present different challenges for Tuchel’s side, particularly with England looking to build on their performances during the opening four matches.
However, winning Group A3 would give England a different set of potential opponents for the Nations League quarter-final. They could then face Italy, Greece or Denmark, depending on how the other groups finish.
Spain currently hold a three-point advantage over England, meaning Tuchel’s side will need a strong finish if they are to overtake the reigning world and European champions.
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Extra Time Notes
England return to action on November 12 when they host Croatia at Wembley before travelling to Spain three days later for their final group match.
The Croatia game gives England an opportunity to confirm their qualification and maintain their strong position in the group. Their previous 7-0 victory should give them confidence, although Tuchel will still expect his players to approach the fixture seriously.
The trip to Spain could then prove important in deciding whether England finish first or second. Having lost the opening meeting between the sides, England will be looking to respond and potentially take the top spot.
The Nations League quarter-final ties are scheduled to take place over two legs in March 2027, with the four winners progressing to the finals in June.
For England, reaching the quarter-finals would be the first step towards challenging for the trophy. Tuchel has made it clear that his ambition is to take the team through the knockout rounds and into the final four.
With three wins from four matches and a significant advantage over Croatia, England have put themselves in a strong position. Their remaining fixtures will now determine whether they enter the Nations League quarter-final as group winners or runners-up, with the aim of taking another step towards silverware.
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