Lionesses Drawn With France, Austria and Portugal in Women's Nations League

England will play France, Austria and Portugal in the Women's Nations League, after the draw was made in Nyon, Switzerland, on Tuesday. UEFA placed the Lionesses, England's women's team, in Group A2 of the competition's third edition.

The Nations League is a tournament for national teams across Europe, built on home and away matches. Each side plays the other teams in its group both at home and away. Those games are played during international windows, the set dates in the calendar when club football pauses and national teams come together. England's group matches are due in February and March, April and June 2027.

The competition matters beyond its own trophy. It forms part of the qualification route for the 2028 Olympic Games and Euro 2029, the European Championship. The four League A group winners then move on to semi-finals in October 2027, before a final decides the Nations League champions. League A is the top tier, and League B sits below it.

Sarina Wiegman, who manages the Lionesses, will lead England through the group. Her side's opponents are familiar names from the women's game. France, Austria and Portugal each arrive with their own plans and their own rhythm.

The other home nations were drawn too. Scotland will face Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden in League A Group 4. The Republic of Ireland have Spain, Norway and Switzerland in League A Group 1. Wales meet Denmark, Italy and Iceland in League A Group 3.

Northern Ireland have a different route. They will play Poland, Finland and Belarus in League B Group 3.

For fans, the draw gives each team a clear schedule across the next two years. Each group will be followed across those international windows, with plenty of chances for a home crowd to see its side play.