England's Nations League opponents in profile

England have been drawn alongside France, Austria and Portugal in League A, Group 2 of the 2027-28 UEFA Women's Nations League.

It’s an intriguing group for Sarina Wiegman's side, bringing together a familiar contender in France, an improving Austrian team and a Portugal side that England know well from recent encounters.

The league phase will take place across three international windows in February/March, April and June 2027, with each team playing the others home and away.

France

Nickname: Les Bleues
Coach: Laurent Bonadei
League A status: Group winners in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

France will provide formidable opposition in the group and will a stern test of the Lionesses' credentials. Consistently among Europe's leading sides, France possess technical quality, athleticism and attacking depth.

Their squad includes established international performers such as Sakina Karchaoui, Grace Geyoro and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, while Chelsea's Melvine Malard was particularly influential during World Cup qualifying.

Recent form: France topped their 2026 UEFA Women's World Cup qualifying group, recording four wins, one draw and one defeat from six matches. This secured their place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, underlining their status as one of Europe's strongest teams. 

Previous meetings: This has been a particularly competitive fixture in recent years. France defeated England by 1-0 in the group stage of EURO 2025, having also beaten the Lionesses 2-1 in their opening match of the 2025 European Championship qualifying campaign. England will therefore have plenty of motivation to reverse that recent trend.

What to expect: A technically accomplished side capable of dominating possession, with dangerous attacking options and plenty of experience at the highest level. 

Austria

Nickname: Das Team
Coach: Irene Fuhrmann (subject to confirmation of the 2027 coaching position)
League A status: Finished 12th in the 2026 qualifying rankings.

Austria are a well-organised side with experience of competing against Europe's elite. They reached the semi-finals of UEFA Women's EURO 2017 and the quarter-finals in 2022. 

Although they have not yet qualified for a Women's World Cup, they have developed into a competitive international team capable of making life difficult for higher-ranked opponents.

Recent form: Austria had a difficult 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, finishing fourth in their group behind Germany, Norway and Slovenia. Results included a 5-1 defeat away to Germany, a 0-0 draw at home to the same opponents and a 1-0 victory over Slovenia. However, they responded well in October 2026, beating Kosovo 2-1 away and 4-0 at home in their World Cup play-off semi-final. They face Switzerland in December for a place in the next stage of qualification. 

Previous meetings: The Lionesses have enjoyed some convincing results against Austria. Most notably, England recorded a 7-2 victory in a friendly in February 2024, with the sides also having met in the opening match of EURO 2022, when England won 1-0 thanks to a Beth Mead goal. England also beat Austria 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in September 2026.

What to expect: Austria are likely to be compact, disciplined and difficult to break down and their recent recovery in the play-offs suggests they should not be underestimated. 

Portugal

Nickname: A Selecção das Quinas
Coach: Francisco Neto
League A status: Promoted following their 2026 qualifying campaign.

Portugal are an increasingly competitive force in women's international football and will be looking to further establish themselves among Europe's leading nations.

They have made significant progress over the past decade, qualifying for their first-ever Women's World Cup in 2023 and reaching the group stages of EURO 2025. Their technical ability, attacking movement and growing pool of players competing at a high level make them an interesting opponent.