Lionesses Set for Tough Nations League Challenge Against France and Portugal

England's Lionesses have been handed a challenging draw in the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League, set to battle it out against France, Austria, and Portugal. The draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland, and sees Sarina Wiegman's squad face some familiar foes. They previously matched up with Portugal in the last Nations League edition, while France and Austria have also been recent opponents during qualifying for major tournaments. The Lionesses will kick off their Group A2 campaign across three international windows in February-March, April, and June 2027, competing in home and away matches. "France are a world-class team," Wiegman stated. "They possess immense quality, athleticism, and skill, with several players showcasing their talents in the WSL and other top clubs. It’s thrilling to play against them because it pushes us to improve. "We faced Portugal before the last Euros, drawing away but winning at home. They can adapt their style, whether playing a possession game or opting for a more direct approach. They have quality players who excel in duels, making them a formidable opponent." As the third edition of the Nations League unfolds, it also plays a crucial role in the qualification route for the 2028 Olympic Games and Euro 2029. The top four teams from League A will advance to the semi-finals in October 2027, culminating in a final to crown the Nations League champion. In other group draws, Scotland will face Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The Republic of Ireland will go up against Spain, Norway, and Switzerland, while Wales will meet Denmark, Italy, and Iceland. Northern Ireland, competing in Group B3, will play Poland, Finland, and Belarus. Details regarding fixture dates and venues will be announced in due course.