The championship was eagerly awaited because for the first time since 1958, three of the Home Nations were featuring in a World Cup; the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain and this was a chance to see them in competitive action before the World Cup began. The end-of-season format that had been used throughout the 1970s was dropped as it was felt three games in eight days was too intense at the end of a season and prior to a World Cup. The English began impressively with a heavy victory over Northern Ireland at home, followed by victory away in Wales.
The championship was eagerly anticipated since it marked the first time three of the Home Nations participated in a World Cup; the 1982 FIFA World Cup held in Spain provided an opportunity to observe them in competitive play before the tournament began. The seasonal format used from the late 1970s was discontinued as it was deemed too strenuous for teams after a long season and prior to the World Cup. England started strongly with a decisive win over Northern Ireland at home, followed by another victory away in Wales.