With the summer definitely gone and the World Cup seeming like a distant memory, England will try to recover the spirit showed in Russia in order to progress until the next round at the UEFA Nations League.

After losing against Spain at Wembley, Southgate's team must earn a couple of victories if they want to have a chance to win a group momentary led by Luis Enrique' squad.

Firstly, England will travel to Croatia to play against their tormentors from the last tournament. Certainly, after the retirement of Mandzukic and the goalkeeper Subasic, the team seem weaker than the one that reached the final at the World Cup.

However, Luka Modric is still commanding his team and is surrounded by a bunch of high-quality players such as Rakitic, Perisic, Brozovic and Kovacic.

The British vs Spain

If England is capable of winning in Croatia, a few days later they will travel to Sevilla knowing that a victory would situate them on top of the group. Apparently, Ross Barkley will have the opportunity to play with the national team after shining with Chelsea and may be the key to cope against perhaps the two nations with the better midfielders.

Just recently, the Three Lions were clearly undermined by the possession style masterminded by Croatia and Spain in spite of scoring the first goal in both of those games. Thus, England don't have a player capable of dictating the game's tempo such as Modric, Rakitic, Thiago or Isco, and therefore it will be another tough test for Southgate' squad.

While Croatia and England face on Friday, the same day Wales receives Spain in order to prepare the match against Ireland. Unfortunately for Giggs' team, the star, Gareth Bale, almost certainly won't play either of those games.

Germany visit France and the Netherlands

In an amazingly tough group 1, Germany will play against the Netherlands in a match where the loser will be really out of the fight to reach the next summer finals.

Currently, France is well placed on top with four points. Meanwhile, Low's team have just earned a draw and need a victory in a hostile land to them.

Indeed, the story between Germany and the Netherlands has forged an unforgettable rivalry. Germany beat them at the World Cup final of 1974 and at the second round of 1990. On the other hand, Van Basten was the hero after scoring the winner at Germany during the Eurocup semifinals of 1988 and eventually reaching the trophy.

Moreover, the current World champions will receive Germany just a few days later in a clash between maybe the two best national squads. In the other groups, Belgium faces Switzerland and Poland will host against Italy and Portugal.