The Nations League is being highlighted as a beneficial competition for international football, providing a more purposeful alternative to friendly matches. England's recent 3-2 defeat to world champions Spain at Wembley, where they had led 1-0, is seen as part of a crucial preparation process for the Euros in 2028.
The tournament allows managers, such as England's Thomas Tuchel, to experiment and learn from mistakes in a semi-competitive environment. While the outcome against Spain was a loss, it offered an opportunity for England to move forward after their World Cup exit to Argentina.
Beyond top-tier nations, the Nations League also supports smaller countries by enabling them to play against opponents of similar skill levels. This structure can offer a potential route to the Euros through playoffs, accelerating development for talented generations.
Despite initial skepticism upon its introduction in 2018, the Nations League is now viewed as a successful example of football administration, offering meaningful competition in the international calendar.