# Nations League shows soccer done well

> Nations League offers meaningful competition for teams after World Cup
- Title: Nations League shows soccer done well · the Guardian
- Summary: Nations League offers meaningful competition for teams after World Cup Nations League provides semi-competitive matches that help teams prepare without the…
- Keywords: nations league, england, spain, wembley, world cup, euros 2028, uefa, football, soccer, premier league, roberto martinez, thomas tuchel
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/28/nations-league-uefa-england-spain
- Published: 2026-09-28T15:15:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nations league, england, spain, wembley, world cup, euros 2028, uefa, football, soccer, premier league, roberto martinez, thomas tuchel
## Nations League debut
The Nations League started in 2018 but faced skepticism early on
## England's World Cup aftermath
England played Spain in a Nations League match after their World Cup exit
## Game highlights
England led Spain by one goal but conceded twice in the match
## Kane's penalty miss
Harry Kane missed a penalty that would have made it 3-1 for England
## Semi-competitive matches
The Nations League offers games that are less important but more challenging than qualifiers
## Smaller nations benefit
Smaller teams get competitive matches against similar opponents without the pressure of qualifiers
## Euros 2028 preparation
England uses Nations League matches to prepare for the 2028 Euros
## Key takeaway

Nations League provides semi-competitive matches that help teams prepare without the pressure of major tournaments