Nations League: England and Wales both facing relegation battles

Each of the home nations still have something to play for - be it achieving promotion or fending off relegation in their respective groups. 

Scotland open proceedings on Wednesday with a clash against Ukraine, in a meeting that could have big implications at the top of the group. 

The Scots have fared well in the 2022/23 edition, although less can be said for all of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who will be hoping to claw themselves away from the drop zone. 

The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, have faint hope of gaining promotion but also have the threat of relegation lingering behind them. 

With the Nations League set to return after a three-month hiatus, here is the lowdown on the current state of play as the group stage comes to an end. 

England hoping to stave off relegation

It has been a difficult Nations League campaign for England, who sit bottom of Group A3 with just two points after a torrid stretch of results. 

Two draws against Germany and Italy, two defeats to Hungary including a 4-0 drubbing at home have left the Three Lions searching for answers with a spot in the play-offs ruled out. 

Although a shot at the trophy is off the table, Gareth Southgate’s men need to pick themselves up if they are to avoid relegation to League B. 

It is expected to be a tough task, though, with England having to face Italy and Germany in their final games of the group. 

However, defeat to the Italians in Milan on Friday will relegate them from the top tier before they can resume their rivalry with Germany. 

Wales facing similar drop zone fate

Group A4 has emerged as one of the more unbalanced sections in the top tier with the Netherlands and Belgium leaving Poland and Wales in their wake. 

With just one point to their name, Wales have struggled to cope with the quality around them, although each of their defeats have come by just a solitary goal. 

But their shortcomings could be forgiven with their first two Nations League fixtures coinciding with their World Cup play-off final against Ukraine - which they won 1-0 in Cardiff. 

Rob Page’s side do have the chance to stave off relegation, though, knowing wins in their final games against Belgium and Poland will be enough to keep them up.

Follow all the Nations League action on Flashscore

Scotland vying for top, Ireland looking either way

The final stages of Group B1 are hanging in the balance and all of Ukraine, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Armenia have something up for grabs.  

The former two, who are top of the group respectively, still have three matches to play with a pair against each other, which will likely decide who will finish as promotion-winners. 

Ireland still have a say in the promotion race but are less likely to achieve the feat having played one game more. 

Stephen Kenny’s men will have an eye towards the top but keeping ahead of Armenia and away from relegation to League C will likely be their main focus. 

Northern Ireland keen to avoid drop to bottom tier

Northern Ireland have endured a tough time in Group C2 and are right at risk of falling into League D. 

They have just two points on the board and hover just above Cyprus, who are bottom of the pile with an inferior goal difference. 

Ian Baraclough’s side have a good chance of staying up if they secure victories against Kosovo and already-promoted Greece, but could need results elsewhere to go in their favour if they fail to do so. 

Cyprus face Greece in their penultimate fixture of the group before travelling to Kosovo to end their campaign.