5 things to look out for as the Nations League returns

In the absence of the Euros this summer, it’s the closest we’ve been to top-level international action since the last Nations League.

Clues into Gareth Southgate’s plans

Gareth Southgate has previously shown himself to be something of a tactical tinkerer, using Kyle Walker on the right of a back three in the 2018 World Cup, before switching to a formation designed to get the best out of England’s attacking players, that saw success over Spain and Croatia in the 2018-19 Nations League.

Will he stick with that system or will he use the Nations League as an opportunity to switch things up again? With a number of uncapped talents in the squad, like Mason Greenwood and Jack Grealish, there’s the possibility of trying a new formation to fit, or gauging how these players adapt to the already defined roles within the team. England are 1/4 favourites to beat Iceland on Saturday.

Sleeping Giants

Several of the traditionally elite European teams have struggled internationally in recent years and it will be interesting to see how they shape up here.

As mentioned above, Germany v Spain in particular gives us plenty to chew on, with both teams disappointing in the 2018 World Cup, while neither topped their group in the last Nations League tournament.

Spain’s woes at the last World Cup were understandable to a degree, given that they had a new manager installed just days before the tournament began. They now have Luis Enrique at the helm, who began his reign with a promising 2-1 Nations League win over England, before resigning in June 2019 and rejoining in November of the same year.

Germany have no such excuse, losing to South Korea and Mexico in the World Cup and failing to win any of their Nations League matches (albeit in a tough group featuring world champions France and finalists the Netherlands). With Joachim Low still in charge, how will they perform here?

Will it have an impact on the Premier League?

There are 54 games in total spread over just six days and Premier League managers will likely be furious to lose many of their stars during this vital pre-season period.

With Covid-19 already ruling out the likes of Paul Pogba, there will be concerns that an international tournament could spread the virus and further disrupt planning for the 2020/21 Premier League season.

Add that to the traditional concerns about players being injured on international duty and you understand why some sides will be reluctant for their players to give their all in a tournament that is yet to convince of its necessity.

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