Thomas Tuchel alleviated some of the pressure off his back as England overcame the Czech Republic to win 2-0 in the Nations League.
It was a frustrating start against a solid rearguard action from the hosts, but the sending-off of Pavel Sulc after 25 minutes saw England start to pick apart their opponents more.
Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock just after the restart as he met a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold on the Real Madrid man’s return to the starting line-up.
Harry Kane then doubled the lead with a first-time strike for the 87th goal of his Three Lions career.
KIERAN GILL brings you our player ratings.
England beat the Czech Republic 2-0 in the Nations League thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon (pictured) and Harry Kane
ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)
James Trafford – 6
Quick in charging forward when Czechia got behind England early on. When the hosts went down to 10 men after 25 minutes, his evening quietened.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Nice having him back, isn’t it? This was his first England appearance since June 2025, and it was a classic cross which allowed Anthony Gordon to finally crack Czechia.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
Strong block to deny Pavel Sulc, who was popping up in dangerous positions before his dismissal. Usually the deepest man as everyone else pushed forward.
Marc Guehi – 6
No error inside two minutes this time mercifully. A much more composed performance and encouraged to push up the pitch as Czechia sat back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold bagged an assist on his return to the England starting line-up
Lewis Hall – 7
Enjoyed his aggression and attacking. Hall & Gordon sounds a little like a solicitors firm, but actually, they were a lovely left-sided combination for England.
Elliot Anderson – 6
Early error allowed Sulc to break behind but Trafford covered by bravely smothering the ball. Sulc was then red-carded for a nasty foul on Anderson.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5
Cautioned for a late challenge on Lukas Cerv. Replaced at half-time owing to carrying that risk and with England craving more creativity by Anderson.
Bukayo Saka – 5
The Czech Republic goal appeared at his mercy until Jiri Slama produced the block à la John Terry. Not his most creative night for club or country.
Bukayo Saka could have scored a sitter and did not have his most creative night overall
Morgan Rogers – 6
Started ahead of Jude Bellingham at No 10. Good touch and turn before striking the post at 0-0. Run helped create England’s second goal.
Anthony Gordon – 8
The Real Madrid right back produced the cross. Then the Barcelona left winger headed it in. Just like that, England led via their two talented Scousers.
Harry Kane – 7
Scored the clincher, doubling England’s lead when the ball sat nicely for him inside the Czechia box. Only ever needs one chance.
Harry Kane only ever needs once chance and bagged his 87th England goal in Prague
SUBS USED
Eberechi Eze (for Lewis-Skelly 45) – 6
Introduced to add extra creativity for England after a first half spent struggling to break through the Czech block.
Alex Scott (for Anderson 70) – 6
Now a senior England international. Deservedly so. Nice one-two which led to a 20-yard chance, fired wide.
Jude Bellingham (for Kane 70) – 6
Kane scored, then was replaced by Bellingham, who could have an easy runaround for 20 minutes or so. Denied making it 3-0.
Rio Ngumoha (for Saka 70) – 6
Replaced Saka to try to add a little invention from the right-hand side.
Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gordon, 81) – N/A
MANAGER: Thomas Tuchel – 7
Czechia were already sitting in a defensive shape. Then they went down to 10 men and dropped even deeper. But Gordon finally found the breakthrough. Phew.
CZECH REPUBLIC (4-3-3):
Kovar 6; Chaloupek 6, Hranac 5, Krejci 5, Slama 5; Cerv 5, Sulc 3, Sadilek 5 (Kral 56, 6); Radosta 5 (Ambros 57, 6), Hlozek 5, Karabec 5 (Lingr 45, 5)
Subs (not used): Kinsky, Kricfalusi, Zmrzly, Vasulin, Vitik, Hornicek, Bucha, Macek, Sacek
Manager: Santi Denia 5
REFEREE: Halil Meler – 6
Even Sulc didn’t sulk when he dismissed him for sending studs into Anderson.
