Tuchel's England begin Nations League run after World Cup third place
Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for four Nations League ties to start the autumn.
The games are Spain at home, Czechia home and away, and Croatia away. It is his first camp since leading England to third place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
England's summer ended with a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final. That was only the fourth semi-final appearance in England's history, according to The Guardian. England responded by beating France in the third-place playoff, the game that decides third and fourth, to record their best World Cup finish since 1966.
The run was full of late twists. Harry Kane scored twice as England came from 1-0 down with 15 minutes left to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 32. England then beat Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium. Jude Bellingham decided the quarter-final against Norway, scoring both goals in the 2-1 extra-time win.
The Nations League is UEFA's competition where European national teams play competitive group matches between World Cups and European Championships. England are in Group A3 of League A and will play Spain, Croatia and Czechia home and away, according to England Football.
The autumn schedule is packed. England face Spain on 26 September, travel to the Fortuna Arena to play Czechia on 29 September, face Croatia away on 3 October and host Czechia again on 6 October, according to UEFA. Croatia are familiar opponents. The sides already met in Group L at the World Cup at Dallas Stadium.
Tuchel, England's manager as of September 2026, will lead the team beyond this autumn. He signed a new contract to remain head coach through Euro 2028, as confirmed by the Football Association and reported by Reuters. England are co-hosts of that tournament.
What makes this stand out is the mood shift. The World Cup gave England a summer of shared moments, from Kane's rescue act to Bellingham's winner in extra time. For fans, this means a quick return to meaningful football, with four competitive games in 11 days to test where this team can go next.
