The UEFA Nations League has been widely accepted as a success since its creation in 2018, and the countdown to its fourth edition begins on Thursday with the league stage draw in Paris (5pm Irish time).
Despite initial concerns, the tournament has continued to grow in popularity over the past six years, with playoff passes proving especially popular among countries struggling to qualify for the two major international tournaments. has been proven.
In fact, 12 countries are gearing up next month to complete their 24-team lineups for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
Unfortunately, neither North nor South Ireland took part in that 12-team shoot-out, and as Stephen Kenny and Michael O’Neill’s outfits failed in the qualifying stages, Ireland also did not take part in the summer’s marquee match. Ta.
The Nations League has more than fulfilled its mission of creating a more interesting international calendar, with far fewer meaningless friendlies and more ennui in the odd years between the World Cup and the Euros, but the Irish have I haven’t started competing in earnest yet.
And perhaps the last tournament proved the beginning of the end for recently departed Republic coach Kenny. Kenny declared his aim was to win the group and gain promotion to the main competition in League A.
Ireland had just enough to stay afloat as Armenia were relegated after a six-game penalty shootout, giving Kenny’s side the best possible place among the four teams vying for top spot with Scotland and Ukraine was in third place.
And it begins once again in the French capital, with the Irish squad heading to Paris without a team leader to provide insight after the 2024-25 draw reaches its final draw.
Arguably, a manager, or head coach, is the preferred option by the FAI, and is on the scene long before the autumn league games begin, with the official games to lead the team into World Cup qualification taking place in September, October and November. will be set to . 2025.
The format remains simple, with all 54 UEFA nations divided into four leagues based on their 2022/23 UEFA Nations League results, and further divided into pots based on their rankings.
Reigning champions Spain, who defeated Croatia on penalties last summer, remain in Pot 1 of Ligue A, along with Italy, the Netherlands and the aforementioned defeated finalists.
Ireland have remained in League B since the start of the season, but due to England’s disappointing relegation last time, interest in the second division is increasing this time.
There are 16 teams in League B, and Ireland will be looking to improve their performance this time around, but they will be competing against England, led by Gareth Southgate, who will be popular with fans and those who hold the FAI’s purse strings. There is no doubt that they would welcome being drawn in line.
The other top three seeds are Austria, Czech Republic and Wales, while Finland, Ukraine, Iceland and Norway will face second-seeded Ireland.
Slovenia, Albania and Montenegro are in pot three along with Ireland and have been ruled out as opponents, leaving the possibility of a rematch with fourth-placed team Greece.
This could also prove to be the best option logistically, as Georgia, Turkey and Kazakhstan could mean longer travel days for traveling teams and fans.
England and Wales are in League B with the Republic of Ireland, but despite losing 3-0 in Dublin, which was one of the few memorable matches, Scotland gave the impression that they were able to take the lead over Ukraine. Thanks to his campaign, he has joined the ranks of the elite. A moment during Stephen Kenny’s tenure.
Northern Ireland remain in League C and will be hoping to mount a strong campaign for promotion in the next competition.
And with no Euro 2024 fixtures for the Republic of Ireland, these Nations League games will be their next competitive fixture and the first of their new manager’s tenure.
Thankfully, Ireland have a game in hand before that, as they host two high-profile opponents at the Aviva Stadium next month.
With the two Euro 2024 teams, Belgium and Switzerland, coming to Dublin on March 23 and 26 respectively, a new manager is expected to be announced in plenty of time to assess and select the squad.
It remains to be seen whether Kenny will continue with the team he has established over the past three years or reset the national team, but despite the friendly nature of the fixtures, the new regime is keen to see that happen. I’m sure you’re looking forward to it. , I will do my best.
Rumors of another high-profile match against the Germans in the summer have yet to be confirmed, but as the waiting list continues for the new players, the players will step up before the start of the competitive Nations League. You understand that you have to perform well and make a good impression. After a long summer vacation.