England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland in Nations League: How are Home Nations faring?

The UEFA Nations League fixtures are in full swing during this international break and all of the Home Nations are involved.

How are England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland faring in their respective games? Who have been performing best and who have been struggling?

Which country's players are in top form?

Who are struggling with injuries and squad withdrawals?

ESPN takes you through how each team is doing.


England

The Three Lions have been dealt a tough set of fixtures this international break. They kicked off their campaign against the reigning world champions Spain in a thriller that ended 3-2 to Luis da la Fuente's men. And there is not much shame in losing to a team that have not been beaten in 40 matches.

Thomas Tuchel's men played well at Wembley, despite a chaotic match, but just didn't have enough to overcome the best international side in the world right now.

England bounced back against Czechia in Prague on Tuesday in a 2-0 victory over 10 men. The goals against the Czechs were scored by Anthony Gordon and, no surprise, Harry Kane. Gordon and Kane also scored in the defeat to Spain and both are in red hot form this international break.

Next, England will take on Luka Modrić's Croatia before facing Czechia again before the international break comes to an end.

Remaining Nations League group fixtures for England:

  • Croatia vs. England, Stadion HNK Rijeka

  • England vs. Czechia, Wembley Stadium


Wales

It has been a disappointing Nations League campaign so far for Wales. They fell to a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in their opening fixture -- although it could have been worse had Cristiano Ronaldo not missed a golden chance, along with having a goal disallowed for offside -- but had the chance to get back on track against Denmark in their second match.

But there was no turnaround in Copenhagen. Wales captain and Spurs defender Ben Davies turned a ball from Mikkel Damsgaard into his own net early in the second half and Gustav Isaksen added to Wales' misery when he scored the Danes' second goal 13 minutes later.

As a result, Craig Bellamy's side sit at the bottom of their Nations League A group. In fact, Wales are winless in all of their six matches so far this year.

Things don't get much easier as The Dragons face Norway -- who made it to the World Cup quarterfinals this summer -- next, before then welcoming Denmark to the Cardiff City stadium, where they play their home matches.

If they want to finish higher than bottom of their group, and potentially improve their chances of qualifying for Euro 2028, then they will have to get results from their last two matches.

- Craig Bellamy on Wales defeat: 'Really hurting' but team will 'improve'

Remaining Nations League group fixtures for Wales:

  • Wales vs. Norway, Cardiff City Stadium

  • Wales vs. Denmark, Cardiff City Stadium


Scotland

A new era has begun for Scotland.

Sébastien Pocognoli is in as head coach after Steve Clarke's reign ended in the summer and, following their dismal display at the World Cup, the Tartan Army have been hoping the Belgian will bring them something to feel happy about.

Unfortunately, this new age has proven winless so far. Scotland began their Nations League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Slovenia, before a nightmare 3-0 defeat to Switzerland in their second match.

Against the Swiss, Scotland found themselves down to 10 men within 15 minutes as defender Jack Hendry was sent off for a shove in Dan Ndoye's back as he sprinted towards Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

A free-kick was awarded to Switzerland and was scored by Ricardo Rodríguez.

Switzerland then scored two more goals in the second half to inflict a heavy defeat on Pocognoli in his first match at Scotland's home of Hampden Park.

The Tartan Army will face North Macedonia next before taking on Slovenia at Hampden in their last fixture of the international break. Pocognoli will be hoping to see some improvement in his side in their last two matches.

Remaining Nations League group fixtures for Scotland:

  • North Macedonia vs. Scotland, National Arena Todor Proeski

  • Scotland vs. Slovenia, Hampden Park

- Scotland routed by Swiss in Pocognoli's home debut


Northern Ireland

Of all the Home Nations, Northern Ireland are currently putting up the best results. They are unbeaten in their campaign so far, sit at the top of Nations League Group B2 and managed to frustrate Liverpool stars Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez in a 0-0 draw with Hungary most recently.

In their opening match against Georgia, Michael O'Neill's side scored the latest of late winners as Fulham's Shea Charles bagged a 99th minute goal. Earlier in the match, Charles' younger brother Pierce -- Northern Ireland's goalkeeper -- saved a penalty from Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

As a result, Northern Ireland got their first competitive clean sheet away from home since October 2024.

They followed that up with a credible goalless draw against Hungary and have put themselves in an excellent position in their group.

They will now take on Ukraine ahead of a second clash with Georgia -- this time welcoming the Georgians to Belfast.

Remaining Nations League fixtures for Northern Ireland:

  • Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland, Štadión Antona Malatinského

  • Northern Ireland vs. Georgia, Windsor Park

- Charles brothers combine to give Northern Ireland Nations League win over Georgia