Next England manager could start with clash against Haaland and huge derby as Three Lions learn Nations League fate

ENGLAND’S status as Nations League also-rans will become clear when the draw for the next version of the competition takes place in Paris on Thursday.

Gareth Southgate’s side were embarrassingly relegated to League B after failing to win a single game in their 2022 group with Germany, Italy and Hungary.

Southgate and his side looked drained at the end of a long campaign as they were battered 4-0 by the Hungarians at Molineux.

Even a 3-3 Wembley draw with Germany in September, in their final game before the Qatar World Cup, could not improve a dire situation.

And it means England WILL pay a 2026 World Cup seeding price even if they romp through their campaign in the autumn.

Despite going down, England – and Wales – are top seeds in the B section of the draw.

Their hardest potential opponents would be Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard’s Norway, although other possible rivals from that section are Finland, Ukraine and Iceland.

The Three Lions will also take on one of Euro 2024 group opponents Slovenia, Republic of Ireland – which would be an interesting experience for Declan Rice and Jack Grealish – Albania or Montenegro.

And the group opponents will be completed by one from Georgia, Greece, Turkey or Kazakhstan – which would mean a seven-hour flight to one of Europe’s most easterly outposts.

England will be firm favourites to win the group and gain promotion back to the top tier – which next season will include Scotland.

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But it means Southgate’s side cannot be one of the 12 top seeds for the 2026 qualifying campaign – and risk facing the likes of France, Germany, Spain or Italy to earn a direct berth without the nervousness of a play-off.

Europe has 16 places at the expanded World Cup, with the 12 group winners qualifying by right and the runners up joining the four remaining best Nations League performers in a series of one-off shoot-outs for the last four places in March 2026.

Those seeding slots for the draw, due to take place in December, will be directly given to the top three teams in each of the four A League divisions.

Meanwhile, Southgate will be preparing for England’s final games before Euro 2024.

The Three Lions will face Bosnia at St James’ Park on June 3 before playing against Iceland on June 7.

England face Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener in Gelsenkirchen before clashes against Denmark and Slovenia.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk