England are facing a nightmare scenario for the 2026 World Cup thanks to the Nations League debacle
ENGLAND'S 2022 Nations League debacle could prove a major hurdle on the road to the next World Cup.
The expansion to 48 teams for the finals in the US, Mexico and Canada means that 16 European places will be available, compared to 13 in Qatar.
But England's relegation to League B of the Nations League after a season in which they were winless in six games – including a 4-0 defeat to Hungary at Molineux – will have consequences.
Gareth Southgate's Three Lions will find out their opponents in the Nations League draw next month.
However, UEFA has already determined that the World Cup group rankings will be based solely on Nations League performances.
This means that the top 12 seeds will come from League A.
So England, who will be in one of the five-team qualifying groups if they win the League B division, cannot be placed even if they win every match.
Because only the group winners are guaranteed a place in the final, potential opponents include Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal or Belgium.
Finishing second would put England into a sudden death play-off series in March 2026, with 16 teams competing for four slots.
Perhaps that will convince England's players to take the Nations League more seriously when it starts in September.
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Matt Gentry, who has worked at Murray since 2008, joins Authentic Brands Group to cover Beckham's commercial activities.
Murray, 36, is still on the books of sports management giant IMG.
RAINE CAMPS
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Despite significant criticism from bidders and United fans, Raine has now been appointed by Monaco owner, Russian billionaire oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev, to “work on a full or partial sale project” for the Ligue 1 club he has managed since 2011.
Another major part of a football deal headed to Raine chief Joe Ravitch.
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