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 because three Home Nations were participating in the 1982 FIFA World Cup; this event allowed for their competitive play before the tournament started. The end-of-season format used from the late 1970s was replaced due to its perceived intensity for teams after a long season and prior to the World Cup. England began strongly with a convincing win over Northern Ireland at home, followed by another victory in Wales.