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Uefa Nations League semi finals explained: When is it and who will England face?

AFP/Getty Images
AFP/Getty Images

Harry Kane ensured a year to cherish would end with a bang as England came from behind against World Cup semi-final foes Croatia to reach the inaugural Nations League Finals.

Just 130 days after breaking English hearts in Moscow, Zlatko Dalic's men looked set to prove the scourge of the Three Lions once more as Andrej Kramaric's deflected effort left them staring down the barrel of relegation.

But a stirring comeback from Gareth Southgate's side brought a memorable year to a fitting conclusion, with substitute Jesse Lingard scoring and clearing off the line before captain Kane secured a late 2-1 win which sees them top Group A4 ahead of Spain.

Baddiel & Skinner's 'Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)' rang around Wembley after a victory that condemned Croatia to relegation - the icing on the cake as England brought down the curtain on a year which saw them re-engage with the public and restore pride.

Where will the Uefa Nations League Finals take place?

Portugal are set to host the tournament after becoming the first team to qualify for the finals.

The European champions drew 0-0 away against Italy on Saturday night to secure top spot in group A3, which also featured Poland.

All three nations had expressed a formal interest in staging the finals, meaning the qualifying nation were always set to be named as hosts.

Portugal's original bid put forward Porto's Estádio do Dragão and the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes as the stadiums to be used for the fixtures, though the venues are yet to be confirmed by Uefa.

When is the tournament?

The semi-finals will be played on 5 and 6 June 2019, with the winner crowned on 9 June.

Who can England face?

Switzerland will join Portugal in the semi-finals, as well as either France or the Netherlands.

When will the draw take place?

Portugal's stats as hosts is subject to formal appointment by the Uefa Executive Committee at their meeting in Dublin on Monday 3 December. The draw will also take place that day.