France, Italy, and Portugal are poised to secure their spots in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, while England’s hopes of promotion have been dampened by a string of withdrawals.
Italy and Portugal need only a point to advance, while France is well-positioned ahead of their match against Israel on Thursday. However, the fixture has been overshadowed by security concerns following clashes in Amsterdam during a match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax.
Israel has urged fans to avoid the Nations League tie due to fears of anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim abuse amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. France defender Dayot Upamecano expressed understanding for the fans’ decision but emphasized his focus on the game.
Kylian Mbappe is once again absent from the France squad, with coach Didier Deschamps stating that the decision is “for the best.” Mbappe has been under investigation for an alleged rape, which he has denied.
After the Israel match, France will face Group A leaders Italy in Milan on Sunday. Italy needs only to avoid defeat against Belgium to secure a quarter-final berth.
Portugal will host Poland and then travel to Croatia in Group A1, where Scotland is struggling at the bottom of the table. The Netherlands and Hungary will meet in a crucial A3 showdown, while Germany can wrap up top spot by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Denmark and Serbia will battle it out for the other qualifying spot in Group A4 alongside Spain. The Danes host Spain and Serbia go to Switzerland before a potentially decisive clash in Leskovac on November 18.
England must beat Greece in Athens to stay in contention for promotion back to the top tier. Greece has a perfect record in League B and won 2-1 at Wembley last month. Interim England boss Lee Carsley will be without several key players for the match.
Georgia can become the first team to climb from League D to League A since the Nations League began in 2018 if they beat Ukraine and Czech Republic in Group B1. San Marino, who earned their first-ever competitive win in September, could make the leap to League C by defeating Gibraltar on Friday.
Teams finishing third in League A and second in League B will face off in relegation/promotion play-offs, with identical play-offs between Leagues B and C. The Nations League also has an impact on World Cup qualifying, with the 12 group winners in European qualifying going to the World Cup and another four places going to winners of play-offs.
