Nations League Predictions: England Face World Champions Spain as New Managers Take Charge
The Premier League is on a three-week break, so attention turns to international football and the Nations League. The home nations are all in action, and there’s plenty of interest in fixtures elsewhere too, with a raft of big-name managers making their debuts in charge of their countries. Here, we pick out the standout fixtures taking place over the coming days, along with our predictions and the best free bets to get involved with this international break.
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Round Up and Predictions
Thursday 24th September
Netherlands v Germany (7.45 pm)
There will be as much focus on the dugouts as the pitch, with Xavi and Jurgen Klopp taking charge of the Netherlands and Germany, respectively, for the first time. For Klopp in particular, it will be a huge occasion to manage his home nation. Former Barcelona boss Xavi, he will create history as the first non-Dutchman to lead the Oranje. If Xavi can produce a more fluent style than his predecessor, Ronald Koeman, the Dutch have the better players and should win this.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-0 Germany
Portugal v Wales (7.45 pm)
Lionel Messi may have announced his impending international retirement, but Cristiano Ronaldo soldiers on. Quite what he’s hoping to achieve only he can answer, but he will likely start under new boss Jorge Jesus, his manager at Al-Nassr last season. The pair combined to win the Saudi Pro League, and the temptation will be for Jesus to stick with Ronaldo in attack. That could be good news for Wales, albeit it may only reduce the margin of defeat.
Prediction: Portugal 3-0 Wales
Friday 25th September
Turkey v France (7.45pm)
After 12 years and great success under Didier Deschamps, France embarks on a new era with Zinedine Zidane at the helm. The former Real Madrid boss always appeared destined to replace Deschamps, and Les Bleus fans are hoping he releases the handbrake on a supremely gifted squad that has sometimes played within itself. Zidane starts with a difficult game against a Turkey side newly promoted to League A and looking to make amends for an underwhelming World Cup.
Prediction: Turkey 1-3 France
Georgia v Northern Ireland (7.45 pm)
PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will be the focal point for the hosts, but Northern Ireland will view this as an opportunity on their return to League B in a group that also contains Hungary and Ukraine. Michael O’Neill’s men ought to be confident of getting a result in Tbilisi. They are without Liverpool star Conor Bradley, but Sunderland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume bring Premier League experience.
Prediction: Georgia 1-1 Northern Ireland
Saturday 26th September
Slovenia v Scotland (2 pm)
Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of Scotland for the first time after succeeding Steve Clarke. The Scots made huge progress under Clarke, and Belgian Pocognoli is now tasked with maintaining qualifying successes and competing at finals. Those challenges will come further down the line, and their immediate focus is on a trip to Ljubljana to face a Slovenia side without Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko through injury. This is an excellent chance for Pocognoli to make a positive early impression.
Prediction: Slovenia 0-1 Scotland
England v Spain (7.45pm)
The world champions visit Wembley on Saturday night, fresh from their success in the United States, Canada and Mexico over the summer. Coach Luis de la Fuente has been handed a new contract and will continue to skilfully lead a team greater than the sum of its parts. That might sound strange with Spain boasting individual talents such as Rodri and Lamine Yamal, but other nations have star players too; the difference is De la Fuente has moulded them into a cohesive outfit. That’s the challenge facing Thomas Tuchel. England huffed and puffed throughout the World Cup, never really looking like they could compete with the elite, and were eventually eliminated by a very ordinary Argentina side. Tuchel needs to do more to convince that he is the right man to lead the Three Lions into the 2028 European Championship.
Prediction: England 0-2 Spain
Sunday 27th September
Israel v Republic of Ireland (7.45 pm)
This fixture will be staged in the Hungarian town of Debrecen, with the tie having drawn attention off the pitch as much as on it. The Irish FA voted to go ahead with the game, though Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has acknowledged that participation is a sensitive issue within the squad. On the pitch, Ireland will look to build on recent progress against a well-organised Israel side.
Prediction: Israel 0-0 Republic of Ireland
How We Make Our Predictions
Our predictions are built on a mix of form, context, and matchday specifics, not guesswork. Before each round of fixtures, we look at:
- Recent form and head-to-head record, weighing how each side has performed over their last few matches, rather than relying on ranking alone
- Squad news, including injuries, suspensions and likely selection, is checked as close to kick-off as possible since this can shift a prediction right up to the final team sheet
- New managerial appointments, which are especially relevant this international break, as several nations debut new head coaches with different tactical approaches
- Home and away form splits, since some sides perform very differently on the road
- Broader market signals, including how odds are moving, which can reflect information not yet obvious from the stats alone
Our predictions reflect our own editorial judgement and are intended to inform and entertain, not as financial or betting advice. They’re not influenced by any betting operator, and we don’t guarantee outcomes. Football is unpredictable, which is a big part of why we all watch it.
Responsible Gambling
It is vital to stay on top of your gambling habits, especially when betting on international football. All top online sportsbooks will offer users a range of responsible gambling tools, such as time-outs and deposit limits. Alternatively, bettors can contact the following support services:
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
When is England v Spain? England hosts world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday night, kicking off at 7.45 pm.
Who is in charge of Scotland for the first time this international break? Sebastien Pocognoli takes charge of Scotland for the first time, succeeding Steve Clarke, starting with an away trip to face Slovenia.
Which countries have new managers this international break? Several nations debut new head coaches this window, including Germany (Jurgen Klopp), the Netherlands (Xavi), France (Zinedine Zidane) and Scotland (Sebastien Pocognoli).
Can I bet on Nations League predictions with free bets? Yes, several UK bookmakers offer free bet welcome offers that new customers can use on international fixtures. Always check the terms of each site, including minimum odds and expiry windows, before placing a qualifying bet.
City AM is committed to responsible gambling. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford. To gain help, support and advice for a person struggling with gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. If you are worried about your gambling or that of a friend visit gambleaware.org.
