UEFA Nations League: England Follow Poland’s Lead, Crush Croatia as Spain Stay Perfect; Ronaldo-Less Portugal Ready for Norway

The UEFA Nations League delivered another weekend of emphatic results and significant shifts in the race for the knockout stages, with England and Poland among the biggest winners while Spain maintained their perfect start.

England produced the standout result on Saturday, dismantling Croatia 7–0 in Rijeka to make a powerful statement in League A.

The Three Lions followed Poland’s earlier six-goal demolition of Romania, although England went one better in a performance that exposed Croatia’s defensive vulnerabilities and dramatically improved their position in the group.

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, while Jude Bellingham added another goal in a commanding individual display. Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers completed the rout.

The result was Croatia’s heaviest defeat, while England’s goal difference received a massive boost as they moved to six points from three matches.

Spain, however, remain the team to catch.

The defending European champions maintained their 100 per cent record with a 3–1 victory over Czechia, collecting nine points from three matches.

Lamine Yamal continued his impressive international scoring run, while Rodri and Mikel Merino also found the net as Spain strengthened their grip on Group A3.

England’s emphatic victory has closed the gap on the leaders, setting up an intriguing battle for the top two positions.

Portugal Ready for Ronaldo-Less Norway Test

Portugal will return to action today against Norway, with the reigning Nations League champions looking to maintain their perfect start.

Portugal have collected maximum points from their opening three matches and have established an early advantage in Group A4.

The biggest talking point, however, is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

With the Portuguese superstar unavailable, attention will turn to whether the reigning champions can maintain their attacking efficiency without their talisman.

João Félix has been among Portugal’s attacking threats during the campaign, while the team’s collective strength has allowed them to remain perfect at the top of the group.

Norway, meanwhile, need a result after suffering defeat to Wales and cannot afford to fall further behind in the group race.

A fourth consecutive Portuguese victory would put the holders in an even stronger position heading into the decisive phase of the league campaign.

France Held as Belgium Fight Back

France were held to a 1–1 draw by Italy in another heavyweight encounter.

Michael Olise put France ahead before Alessandro Bastoni levelled for Italy, leaving France at the top of the group but denying them the opportunity to pull further away.

Belgium took advantage of the situation with a convincing 3–0 victory over Türkiye.

Kevin De Bruyne scored twice before Romelu Lukaku completed the victory, giving Belgium renewed hope of challenging for the group lead.

Lewandowski Leads Poland’s Rout

Before England’s seven-goal spectacle, Robert Lewandowski had already made headlines with a hat-trick in Poland’s 6–0 demolition of Romania.

The veteran striker’s performance underlined his continued importance to Poland as they attempt to strengthen their position in League B.

Northern Ireland also produced an impressive result, defeating Ukraine 3–0 to move to the top of their group.

In another significant League B result, Switzerland maintained their perfect record with a 2–1 comeback victory over Slovenia.

Scotland Mark Robertson’s Century

Scotland secured their first Nations League victory under Sébastien Pocognoli with a 2–0 win over North Macedonia.

Kieron Bowie opened his international scoring account before John McGinn converted from the penalty spot.

The night also belonged to Andy Robertson, who won his 100th cap for Scotland.

Today’s Other Key Fixtures

Several matches today carry major implications across the Nations League.

Greece vs Germany is one of the standout encounters, with Greece looking to protect their position at the top while Germany attempt to build on their first victory of the campaign.

The Netherlands face Serbia, with the Dutch needing maximum points to remain firmly in contention.

Wales meet Denmark after Wales’ impressive comeback victory over Norway, while Kosovo face Austria in another important League B encounter.

The Bigger Picture

The Nations League is now moving into a phase where every point carries greater significance.

League A group winners and runners-up will advance to the quarter-finals, while teams at the bottom face relegation battles and play-offs.

For Spain, the priority is simple: maintain their perfect record.

For England, the 7–0 victory has transformed the mood around their campaign and placed greater pressure on Spain at the summit.

For Portugal, the immediate question is whether they can remain perfect without Cristiano Ronaldo.

And for Germany, France and the Netherlands, the margin for error is narrowing.

With the league phase gathering pace, the Nations League is beginning to deliver the defining results that could shape the road to the title.