Germany, Netherlands and France drawn together in Nations League

Germany will face old rivals France and the Netherlands after the trio were drawn together in the same three-team group for the inaugural UEFA Nations League on Wednesday. The three will feature in Group One of League A, the top division of the four-tier tournament that UEFA has introduced to replace international friendlies.

It's nearly time for the Uefa #NationsLeague draw!

What's that, we hear you say...

Here's your explainer, but bear with us... it's complicated! ?
https://t.co/PJQnC4DR4G pic.twitter.com/XP3YPCAXhB

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 24, 2018

UEFA, concerned that international football is losing popularity to the club game, has said that the league will provide the top nations with more competitive matches against each other. However, critics say the competition is too complex, adds to an already overcrowded calendar and, because it provides an additional path to major tournaments, makes it too easy for the top teams to qualify. Italy, who failed to qualify for this year's World Cup finals, will face European champions Portugal and Poland in Group Three while Spain take on England and Croatia in Group Four. Belgium will meet Switzerland and Iceland in Group Two.

So, the Uefa #NationsLeague draw has been made, but what does it all mean?

Here's the explainer for the competition ? https://t.co/kPjBivFHnz pic.twitter.com/jH4RedbSDu

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 24, 2018

The winners of each group qualify for the semi-finals, which will be played in June 2019, followed by the final. The Nations League features all 55 of Europe's national teams divided into four divisions that are each split into four groups.

? UEFA #NationsLeague draw day! ?

Live on https://t.co/Y4kHmBPiKI from 12CET ?

— UEFA Nations League (@UEFAEURO) January 24, 2018

Although the new competition is played in addition to the European championship qualifying competition, which will go ahead as usual, it provides a back door to Euro 2020 with one team from each league earning a place at UEFA's flagship tournament. League B, the second tier, brings a clash between neighbours Czech Republic and Slovakia in Group One. Ireland must face Denmark, who beat them in last year's World Cup playoffs, in Group Four, which also features Wales.

The official result of the #NationsLeague draw! ✅ pic.twitter.com/H1fPteK7M1

— UEFA Nations League (@UEFAEURO) January 24, 2018