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What is the UEFA Nations League? Europe's plan to transform international football explained

Major changes are coming to the international calendar in 2018, with friendlies set to become a thing of the past for European nations

Major changes are coming to international football in Europe, with the UEFA Nations League kicking off on September 6.

UEFA has devised a plan to make friendlies between national teams largely a thing of the past from 2018, replacing those matches with a brand-new competition.

The idea is to create a more regular schedule of competitive games in which teams can improve and develop ahead of European Championships and World Cups.

The new competition will also hold four qualification spots for the European Championship, with that tournament having now expanded to 24 teams.