"Unlike some of the other leading contenders, England have been starved of top-level competition since losing to Spain in the final of Euro 2024. Now the Three Lions must plot their two friendly matches in March, plus potential games in North America before their first World Cup game - and there are decisions to be made about who they play."
"England's relegation to League B of the 2024 Uefa Nations League put them at a disadvantage. While the likes of France, Italy, Belgium and Netherlands were playing against each other in League A, England faced three teams from lower down the world rankings - Greece (ranked 48th in September 2024), Republic of Ireland (62nd) and Finland (64th). England won five of those six games, with a surprise home loss to Greece the only dropped points."
England have enjoyed an easy World Cup qualifying campaign but have lacked high-level opposition since losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Relegation to League B of the 2024 UEFA Nations League meant matches against lower-ranked Greece, Republic of Ireland and Finland, yielding five wins but a surprise home loss to Greece. England have won every World Cup qualifier without conceding, yet concern remains about being undercooked. Coach Thomas Tuchel must schedule two friendlies in March and possible North American warm-ups, constrained by a five-team World Cup group and limited available opponents; recent defeats to Senegal underline the challenge.
Read at www.bbc.com
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