Czech Republic vs England Preview
Czech Republic’s defensive struggles continued with a 2-1 Nations League defeat against Croatia. England win matches and score goals away and in-form Harry Kane can fire the Three Lions to victory.
Three Lions on a 7 Match Winning Streak
- Czech Republic have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 home games.
- England have won 7 consecutive away games.
- England’s Harry Kane has scored 5 goals in his last 4 games for club and country.
H2H - England Advantage
England have a 3-1 advantage against the Czech Republic, alongside one draw.
Czech Republic's Downturn Continues
Czech Republic are winless in six of their previous eight matches in all competitions. The central European side have conceded at least once in every game during that run.
Santi Denia was named as the nation’s new manager in July. Former boss Miroslav Koubek was dismissed after the Czech Republic finished bottom of Group A at the 2026 World Cup.
The Lions lost against South Korea 2-1 and Mexico 3-0 either side of a 1-1 draw against South Africa. They allowed over 1 XG in each World Cup match.
Czech Republic’s downturn continued after a 2-1 home loss against Croatia in the Nations League. Adam Karabec cancelled out Croatia’s opener before the Lions conceded the winner with 13 minutes remaining.
Captain Kane Leads England by Example
England have been strong under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership, winning 17 of their 22 matches. The Three Lions won all four away fixtures in 2026 World Cup qualifying and Harry Kane score six goals in those games.
Kane was also influential in England’s run to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. He scored six goals in seven appearances before the Three Lions lost 2-1 against Argentina.
Tuchel’s side hit back with a 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off. England had 2.88 XG and 19 shots.
The Three Lions fell to a 3-2 home loss against world champions Spain in their Nations League opener. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane put England 2-1 up at half time and Kane missed a penalty before Spain scored twice in the final 30 minutes.
Predicted Starting Lineups, Squads & Team News
Czech Republic (4-2-3-1): Lukas Hornicek; Vladimir Coufal, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, Jiri Slama; Michal Sadilek, Lukas Cerv; Lukas Ambros, Pavel Sulc, Adam Karabec; Adam Hlozek
Centre-back Ladislav Krejci is an injury doubt after missing the Croatia game due to a calf issue.
Midfielder Matej Rynes withdrew from the Nations League squad. Czechia confirmed full-back Ondřej Zmrzly as Rynes’ replacement.
Goalkeepers: Matej Kovar, Lukas Hornicek, Antonin Kinsky
Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, Ladislav Krejci, Robin Hranac, Martin Vitik, Stepan Chaloupek, Matej Rynes, Michal Sacek, Ondrej Kricfalusi, Jiri Slama
Midfielders: Alex Kral, Michal Sadilek, Ondrej Lingr, Lukas Cerv, Adam Karabec, Pavel Bucha, Lukas Ambros, Roman Macek, Matej Radosta, Martin Subert
Forwards: Adam Hlozek, Pavel Sulc, Vaclav Sejk, Daniel Vasulin
England (4-2-3-1): James Trafford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall; Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane
Left-back Lewis Hall is in contention to start against Czechia. Thomas Tuchel explained that he left the Newcastle defender out of the Spain game due to fitness concerns and said:
"He missed some training sessions with a bit of an injury scare, Lewis Hall. That is why I was a bit hesitant to put him out there today."
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Jason Steele
Defenders: Marc Guéhi, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Hall, Trevoh Chalobah, Jarrad Branthwaite
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Morgan Gibbs-White, James Garner, Alex Scott
Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Rio Ngumoha