The English national football team is reeling through the Nations League and has to worry about an impending relegation. Against Hungary there is a defeat that is as surprising as it is devastating. In contrast, the Netherlands and Turkey are in strong form.
Vice European champions England are more at risk of relegation in the Football Nations League than ever. In the German group 3 the English experienced a 0:4 (0:1) debacle against Hungary. Freiburg’s Roland Sallai (16th minute/70th), Zsolt Nagy (80th) and Dániel Gazdag (89th) scored the goals for the guests in Wolverhampton. In addition, England defender John Stones (82nd) ??saw yellow-red for repeated foul play. Coach Gareth Southgate’s side, who were still without a win, remain last, which would ultimately mean relegation to the B-League. The surprisingly strong Hungarians, on the other hand, lead the group ahead of Germany after four matchdays.
The Dutch, coached by former Bayern coach Louis van Gaal, are also on course for the final tournament. Van Gaal’s side are still unbeaten in Group 4, beating Wales 3-2 (2-1) in a spectacular and thrilling encounter. Noa Lang (17th) and Cody Gakpo (23rd) scored the goals for the league leaders in Rotterdam. Brennan Johnson (26th) scored for the Welsh – and then it got turbulent. In the second minute of added time, Gareth Bale equalized with a penalty kick. A few seconds later, Memphis Depay scored the Dutchman’s acclaimed winner.
Things are also going well for Stefan Kuntz and Turkey. The Turks also won their fourth game in C-League, beating Lithuania 2-0 (1-0). Former Bundesliga pros Kaan Ayhan (37′) and Hakan Çalhanoglu (54′) scored the goals. Turkey remains first, which would ultimately mean the targeted promotion to the B league.
