Headline: Italy Defeats France, England Qualifies for UEFA Nations League Knockout Stage
The fifth round of the UEFA Nations League commenced on Thursday, featuring four matches across Groups 1 and 3.
England highlighted their performance by ensuring their spot in the tournament’s knockout phase with a game to spare.
In the day’s standout match, Italy ended France’s unbeaten streak and climbed to the top of their group.
Türkiye 1–2 Belgium
Belgium bounced back from their previous defeat to reclaim second place in Group 1, now tallying nine points. Meanwhile, Türkiye remains at the bottom of the table with no points.
Italy 3–1 France
In a thrilling encounter, Italy turned the match around to secure victory and leadership in Group 1. They matched France’s tally of 10 points and edged ahead with a superior goal difference of four, having scored 10 goals compared to France’s eight. France, who previously had an opportunity to advance early, must now wait until the final round to determine their fate.
On Sunday, France is set to host Türkiye in Bordeaux, while Italy will travel to face Belgium. Both matches will kick off at 4:45 p.m. Brasília time.
The game at San Siro saw France initially take the lead through Olise, but Francesco Esposito equalised before the first half concluded. In the second half, despite a missed penalty from Sebastiano Esposito, Italia took the lead with a goal from Frattesi. Late in the match, Italy was awarded another penalty, allowing Francesco Esposito to convert and secure the victory for the four-time world champions.
Czechia 0–1 Spain
Spain, having already secured their quarter-finals berth, triumphed over Czechia with a first-half penalty from Baena.
In the second period, Spain’s goal from Pino was ruled offside, and Czechia faced additional challenges after Krejci was sent off, complicating their situation. Spain maintained their perfect record and remained at the top of Group 3 with 15 points, while Czechia stands last without a point.
England 2–1 Croatia
Jude Bellingham provided an excellent assist for Morgan Rogers to score for England in the first half. Croatia equalised through Sucic after the break, but Harry Kane converted a penalty to secure the win and qualification for England.
The final round next Sunday will determine who claims the top spot in Group 3. England, with 12 points and a goal difference of 12, will visit Spain, who leads with 15 points and a goal difference of eight, at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.
