Nations League permutations: What England need in Spain showdown to qualify as group winners

详细摘要

Both nations have secured a top-two finish - but the order is still to be determined

England face Spain this evening in a Nations League shootout to decide who tops Group A3.

Victory over Croatia on Thursday evening meant England officially joined Spain in qualifying for the Nations League knockout phase with a game to spare.

Though, as things stand, the reigning world and European champions lead the way with a three-point lead over England - courtesy of their victory at Wembley Stadium during the autumn international break.

Since then, La Roja have beaten Croatia and the Czech Republic twice each and just need to avoid defeat against Three Lions in the reverse fixture on Sunday to guarantee top spot and an easier quarter-final draw.

However, as England have the superior goal difference (+12 compared to +9) between the two nations, a win for Thomas Tuchel’s side in Madrid would be enough to see them top the group at Spain’s expense.

This is because the UEFA tiebreaker first looks at the head-to-head record when sides are locked on the same amount of points, and then total goal difference in the two games between the two sides.

As Spain won the reverse fixture by a one-goal margin in September, any margin of victory for England - whether it be 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 - will guarantee top spot in Nations League Group A3.

Topping the group would set up a possible quarter-final showdown with France, Greece or Denmark, as things currently stand.

Furthermore, the group winners will be seeded for the Nations League quarter-final draw, therefore securing home advantage in their second leg ties.

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