Sarina Wiegman has welcomed a challenging draw for England in the 2027 UEFA Women’s Nations League, with France, Austria and Portugal standing between the Lionesses and a place in the semi-finals.

England will compete in League A when the group stage begins in early 2027, setting up another series of demanding fixtures against familiar European opponents.

The draw offers Wiegman the opportunity to test her side against three teams with different strengths, as England continue their preparations for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

The head coach, who signed a new contract until 2029 last month, believes the quality of the opposition will provide valuable challenges for her squad.

Wiegman welcomes France, Austria and Portugal challenge

France are likely to provide England with one of their toughest tests in the group, having established themselves as one of the leading international sides in Europe.

The Lionesses last faced Les Bleues in the opening match of EURO 2025, when France secured a victory, and Wiegman is looking forward to another opportunity to measure her team against them.

“Of course, it’s a challenging and exciting draw again,” she said.

“They’re a world-class team. They have so much quality, they have power, they have technique and they have some players, of course, also playing in the WSL and at other top clubs.

“So it's exciting to play them because you will be challenged in the highest possible way and that's what makes us better.”

Portugal will also provide a difficult test, with Wiegman highlighting their tactical flexibility and ability to switch between possession-based football and a more direct approach.

England previously drew away against Portugal before recording a victory at home ahead of the last European Championship.

“I think they're a very dangerous team who play lots of football, but also they're tough to beat so we need to be at our best,” Wiegman added.

“They're a team who can change their style from playing a possession game to being a little more direct, and they have some players that bring lots of quality on the pitch, but are also powerful in duels.”

Austria complete England’s group, with the two nations having not met since the beginning of 2024.

Wiegman remembers their previous meetings as particularly demanding, including England’s opening fixture at EURO 2022 and the subsequent World Cup qualifying encounters.

She believes Austria are once again reaching a high level and expects both matches to be difficult.

England have World Cup qualification and Olympic ambitions

Although the Nations League draw provides an exciting prospect for 2027, England must first negotiate their upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off against Ukraine.

The two-legged tie takes place in December, with a place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil at stake.

Wiegman is confident in her team's ability but insists qualification cannot be taken for granted.

“Of course, we want to qualify first when we play Ukraine in December,” she said.

“And if we perform at our levels, then we should qualify, but we never take anything for granted, of course.”

The Nations League will then provide further opportunities for England to develop their style of play against high-quality opposition while maintaining their ambitions of winning every game.

There is also an additional incentive attached to the competition, with the prospect of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles as Team GB.

Wiegman previously led the Netherlands at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021, and understands the significance of the tournament.

She described the opportunity to represent Great Britain as a special experience, highlighting the difference between competing at the Olympics and other major international tournaments.

“To go to the Olympics is a very special occasion and it becomes Great Britain, so it’s bigger than just England,” she explained.

“I think everyone who is a footballer at the highest level wants to play major tournaments but this is a very different one which is really exciting if you can go there and play.

“So there are different challenges but when you have an opportunity to go, then you try and take it. It would be really big to have that chance.”

With France, Austria and Portugal awaiting in 2027, England have a demanding Nations League campaign ahead. For Wiegman, however, the quality of the opposition is exactly what her side needs as they look to continue developing and compete for further silverware.