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The Nations League is a welcome example of soccer done well

The tournament was treated with skepticism when it was introduced in 2018, but it shows that sometimes administrators get things rightSign up for our free newsletter hereEngland’s first game after the 2022 World Cup was a 2-1 win away over…

By Jonathan Wilson · The Guardian - Football

Published: Monday, 28 September 2026 at 3:15 PM

Key Things to Know

The Nations League was introduced in 2018 as an alternative to international friendlies.
England recently faced Spain in a Nations League fixture held at Wembley Stadium.
The competition allows international managers the flexibility to experiment without the pressure of major qualifiers.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The UEFA Nations League offers a meaningful alternative to post-major tournament international friendlies. Introduced in 2018 amid initial skepticism, the tournament provides competitive fixtures without the overwhelming pressure of qualifiers or major tournaments, giving managers room to test tactics and squad depth while still competing for a trophy.

The context was highlighted by a recent Wembley fixture featuring England against Spain, which featured players like Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon alongside manager Thomas Tuchel. Despite competing with club soccer news, the competition continues to serve as an effective palate-cleanser in the international calendar.

Read the full article on The Guardian - Football

The Nations League is a welcome example of soccer done well

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