Very competitive group, says Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel ran the rule over England’s UEFA Nations League group after the draw was made for the 2026-27 season this evening.

The Three Lions boss, who extended his contract earlier today to commit his future to England for a further two years, was in attendance in Brussels.

England will face Spain, Croatia and Czechia after being drawn into group three of League A.

“It’s a proper line up,” assessed Tuchel. “Very difficult matches – very competitive. It’s very competitive but basically exactly what we need to prepare for the home EUROs.

“A lot of stories around it. Again, Croatia because we play in the same group in the World Cup but that’s what it is.”

Tuchel was full of praise for England men’s under-21s head coach Lee Carsley who helped the Three Lions to win promotion from League B to League A during his interim spell in charge.

“Lee Carsley made sure we are back in League A and that’s where we want to compete,” said Tuchel.

🇪🇸 🇭🇷 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🇨🇿

Our #ThreeLions will face Spain, Croatia and Czechia in Group A3 of the #NationsLeague! pic.twitter.com/zXEGEhCdZ9

— England (@England) February 12, 2026

“It’s a difficult draw. I think that was clear from the start because we were in pot 3, so very strong opponents in all the other pots.

“We knew it before. We wanted a competitive group. We want to compete in League A and we want to play against the best and see where we are and that’s what we got.”

And although the England head coach insisted the focus is currently on the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, he is keen to challenge for multiple titles.

“We want to compete for the semi-finals and the final, of course,” stated Tuchel.

“Any competition we play, we dream big and we believe in ourselves but it will be difficult.”