How it stands as Women's Nations League returns

Simone Magill, Jess Park and Emma Lawton
Northern Ireland's Simone Magill (left), England's Jess Park (centre) and Scotland's Emma Lawton have all scored at least one goal in the Women's Nations League this year [Getty Images]

The Women's Nations League is back this week with England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all having two more matches.

There were mixed fortunes in February's opening two rounds of fixtures as England gained a win and a draw, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland both secured one victory and one loss, while Scotland and Wales are yet to pick up a win.

The next round of games takes place on Friday, 4 April, with the nations also in action four days later on 8 April.

BBC Sport takes a look at the competition so far, what is up for grabs in the tournament and how England and Wales' preparations are going for this summer's Euros in Switzerland.

What is the Women's Nations League?

The league was launched in 2023, with the first edition offering qualification spots for the 2025 Women's European Championship.

Countries have been placed into groups of three or four teams, across three different leagues, with promotion and relegation between the leagues depending on the match results.

And there's a lot at stake.

Teams are not only competing for the Nations League title, but their finishing position will also determine where they start in the league system for the European qualifiers for the 2027 Women's World Cup.

What has happened so far? Next fixtures?

Scotland, England and Wales are all in the top league - League A.

It has been a tough start for Scotland in Group A1, as they have suffered two narrow defeats - 1-0 in Austria and then 2-1 at home to the Netherlands, who are on four points and level with leaders Germany.

Scotland have two tough matches coming up against a German side ranked number three in the world, starting at home at Dundee United's Tannadice Park on 4 April, before an away game in Wolfsburg on 8 April.

France have made a strong start in Group A2, with two home wins, beating Norway 1-0 and Iceland 3-2.

Next matches in Group A1 and A2

Group A1: 4 April - Scotland v Germany, Netherlands v Austria; 8 April - Germany v Scotland, Austria v Netherlands.

Group A2: 4 April - Iceland v Norway, Switzerland v France; 8 April - Iceland v Switzerland, Norway v France.

Women's Nations League Groups A1 and A2
[BBC]

England began their Group A3 campaign with an underwhelming 1-1 draw in Portugal, but ...

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