France, Austria, and Portugal all await the England Lionesses after Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League draw filled out one of League A’s toughest groups. But Sarina Wiegman's side isn’t shying from the challenge.
And that's because the stakes reach far beyond group stage play. This year, the tournament feeds directly into 2028 LA Olympics qualification. That means every result could decide whether England women's football earns a trip to Los Angeles.
England Lionesses Draw Tough Path Against France, Portugal
Asked about her group opponents, Wiegman pointed to France first, describing them as "a world-class team" with "so much quality, power and technique."
The last time the two teams met, the Lionesses fell to Les Bleues 2-1 at the 2025 Euros. Despite that head-to-head record, Wiegman sees this latest draw as a chance to sharpen her squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
"It's exciting to play them because you will be challenged in the highest possible way, and that's what makes us better," she said.
But France isn't the only worry facing England in next year's Nations League competition.
The Lionesses will also face Portugal, a team they last routed 6-0 on home soil in May of this year. The final score line tilted their way then, but Wiegman acknowledged her side isn't expecting an easy win when fixtures kick off in February.
"They're a team who can change their style from playing a possession game to being a little more direct," she explained. "And they have some players that bring lots of quality on the pitch."
Sarina Wiegman Already Looking Ahead to LA28
UEFA Nations League group play is slated to wrap by June, with first-place finishers from each group moving on to an October knockout round.
For Wiegman, who steered the Netherlands at the 2021 Tokyo Games, the Olympic angle adds another level of importance.
"To go to the Olympics is a very special occasion," she said. "It would be really big to have that chance."
