International football is back across Europe this week, just eight weeks after Spain’s Euro 2024 victory over England in Berlin. Spain, fresh off their Euro triumph and Olympic gold, return to defend their Nations League title. Luis de la Fuente’s squad, missing key players like Alvaro Morata, faces a challenging start in Group 4 of League A with matches against Serbia and Switzerland. Despite these absences, the inclusion of young talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams brings optimism.

England begins a new chapter post-Gareth Southgate, with Lee Carsley temporarily at the helm. Carsley, the England Under-21 coach, leads the team in Nations League fixtures against Ireland and Finland. With the search for a permanent manager ongoing, a strong performance could see Carsley continue for the remainder of the campaign. Notably, the squad includes new faces such as Noni Madueke and Morgan Gibbs-White, though Jude Bellingham is sidelined due to injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues his international journey with Portugal despite a lackluster Euro 2024. At 39, Ronaldo remains in coach Roberto Martinez’s plans, leading the squad against Croatia and Scotland. An injury to Goncalo Ramos means Ronaldo is likely to start as Portugal seeks to recapture the Nations League title they won in 2019.

Several other nations are also under new management. Ireland’s Heimir Hallgrimsson, Wales’ Craig Bellamy, and Sweden’s Jon Dahl Tomasson all take charge of their teams for the first time in competitive matches. Romania sees the return of veteran coach Mircea Lucescu, who resumes his role 38 years after his first stint. The Nations League format remains complex, with the introduction of quarter-finals next March and significant implications for World Cup qualifying, adding extra stakes to this edition.