On Saturday evening, Iceland and England go head-to-head in Group A2 of the Nations League, as both teams look to make winning starts to their campaigns.

Iceland

The Nordic nation endured a disastrous campaign in the inaugural Nations League, suffering defeats in all four of their games in a group involving Belgium and Switzerland. The home team scored just once in the four losses and conceded at least two goals in all of their defeats.

However, things have improved since the poor showing in the fledgeling competition. Swedish boss Eric Hamren guided Iceland to the Euro 2021 play-offs, after finishing third place in a group topped by France, with Turkey finishing as runners-up.

Iceland are now five international games unbeaten, having recording four wins in the process. They have also kept clean sheets in four of those five matches.

England

The Three Lions head into this clash on the back of wins in five of their last six international matches. Gareth Southgate’s team has been prolific in recent matches too, scoring at least four goals in all five of those recent wins.

The visitors made it to the semi-finals of first Nations League campaign, suffering a 3-1 extra-time defeat against Portugal in the semi-final. However, they then recorded a penalty kick victory over Switzerland in the third-place play-off after a goalless draw between the pair.

Since then England have also cruised to qualification for next years European Championships, and are one of the favourites to win the competition.

Team News

Iceland have no reported injuries. However, there was a big omission from the squad, as Everton playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson is not with Erik Hamren’s team.

Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire and forward Marcus Rashford withdrew from the squad, along with Spurs midfielder Harry Winks. Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood, Jack Grealish and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could all make their international bows.