England will return to international competition for the first time since the World Cup during the combined September and October international break. The team has scheduled four matches as part of the Nations League group stage. While these games will be the focus for now, the spotlight will soon shift to the qualification campaign for Euro 2028, which will be held across the UK and Ireland in two years' time. Although England, along with Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, will be hosting the tournament, they are not automatically guaranteed a place. UEFA, the governing body of European football, has stated that all nations, including the hosts, must participate fully in the qualification process. This decision ensures fair competition and maintains the integrity of the tournament. The qualification format for Euro 2028 will involve 12 groups, each containing either four or five teams. The top team from each group and the eight best second-place finishers will qualify for the tournament. However, UEFA has set aside two spots specifically for the host nations. If up to two of the four host countries fail to qualify from their groups, they will be granted automatic entry as a safeguard. If more than two host nations fail to qualify, the two reserved spots will be given to the two highest-ranked teams in the qualifying process. As long as no more than two of the host nations fail to qualify from their groups, all four will be guaranteed a place in Euro 2028. The qualification process will begin in March 2027 and will end with the play-offs in March 2028. A total of 55 nations will compete, with Russia excluded due to a suspension by UEFA. The qualification draw will be held on December 6 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This will be the last time a traditional group format will be used; starting with the 2030 World Cup, a league system similar to the Champions League will be introduced.