UEFA Nations League |Preview| Italy entertain England, Spain host Switzerland in crucial ties

The Nations League will have some of the biggest ties that could have bearing on the outcome of the groups as England travel to Italy and Spain hosts Switzerland. 

Looking at the current situation both England and Switzerland will have to get the maximum points if they are to avoid relegation from the Nations League. Other big games will see Croatia face Denmark while Germany hosts Hungary in Group A3.

• England are currently winless in Group A3 and will need to win if they are to keep their hopes alive for a place in the semifinal
• A win for Spain will all but guarantee a place in the semis, but a defeat for Switzerland could have huge ramifications
• Germany can establish an iron grip over the group  if they can get the better of Hungary

England in search of a crucial win

England will have to be at their fluent best on Friday as they travel to Italy. So far Gareth Southgate’s men have only picked up two points from a possible 12 and a defeat for them could have a huge impact on them. 

If England fails to materialize anything from the contest, they will suffer relegation while Italy will look to capitalize on any possible slip in the Germany and Hungary game as they have mustered five points from four matches.

Switzerland faces a survival task

The other big match will see Spain host Switzerland in Group A2, with the latter facing race against time to make the semis. A defeat against the former World Champions will see their bid for the semifinal come to an end, but crucially with other teams dropping points, they can still have a race for survival in the group. Switzerland does have a healthy record against big teams having beaten France in Euros and Spain in the 2010 World Cup.

Germany host Hungary

Germany could go above Hungary in the Nations League if they get the better of the opposition. The Germans have drawn their last three matches and will look to bolster their chances with Italy also in search of points. 

Any possible slip for Germany will also be harmful to them as Italy will look to make grounds. Germany have collected six points from four matches while Hungary have seven points from four matches.