England draw France, Austria and Portugal in Women's Nations League
Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses will face France, Austria and Portugal in Group A2 of the next Women's Nations League, with the draw also setting the groups for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
England have been drawn against France, Austria and Portugal in Group A2 of the next Women's Nations League, following the draw held in Nyon, Switzerland. Sarina Wiegman's side will play each opponent home and away across three international windows in February-March, April and June 2027. Fixture dates and venues have yet to be confirmed.
The Lionesses have recent history with all three opponents. They met Portugal in the previous Nations League campaign and have faced France and Austria in recent major tournament qualifying. Wiegman described France as a world-class team with quality, power and technique, noting that several of their players compete in the Women's Super League and at other top clubs. She said the challenge of facing them would help England improve.
On Portugal, Wiegman recalled the two meetings before the last Euros, when England drew away and won at home. She said Portugal can switch between a possession game and a more direct approach, and praised their quality and strength in duels.
Now in its third edition, the Nations League also counts toward qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games and Euro 2029. The four League A group winners will reach the semi-finals in October 2027, with a final to decide the champions.
The draw placed Scotland with Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden in Group A4, while the Republic of Ireland join Spain, Norway and Switzerland in Group A1. Wales face Denmark, Italy and Iceland in Group A3. Northern Ireland, in League B Group 3, will play Poland, Finland and Belarus.
Image: Getty / BBC Sport
