England will look to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat to Spain over the weekend as they continue their Nations League campaign by heading to Prague to take on Czech Republic.
There was plenty of good from the Three Lions in a rollercoaster clash with the world champions at a sold-out Wembley on Saturday evening but the defending was borderline negligent at points as they fell to a 3-2 loss.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash at the Fortuna Arena, Thomas Tuchel was adamant that “it’s a bit early for a ‘must win’” game but another loss will not only put a huge dent in England’s Nations League hopes but raise further questions over the direction of the team under Tuchel himself.
The frustration of the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, and the bad taste created by Tuchel’s substitutions in that loss, still loom large, so a palate-cleansing victory over a side led by new coach Santi Denia would be most welcome for fans.
Here’s everything you need to know about the clash:
When is Czech Republic v England?
Czech Republic v England is due to kick off at 7.45pm BST on Tuesday 29 September at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage from 7pm BST. A live stream will be available via ITVX.
England team news
Man City star Nico O’Reilly, who was guilty of a lax pass for Spain’s second goal at the weekend, and fellow defender Ezri Konsa are both doubts for the fixture after missing training on the eve of the fixture. “They need to be assessed and take a decision Tuesday morning,” said Tuchel of the duo’s availability. “Ideally I would love to put the same team out there. I need to speak with the doctors, physios and the players themselves, see what is responsible and what’s not, then let’s see.”
The remaining 22 members of the squad were in group training as normal on Monday after Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento all withdrew from the squad last month due to a mixture of injury and load management.
Tuchel’s comments potentially suggest minimal changes to the starting XI from the Spain clash, with the boss having confirmed after that game that James Trafford will continue in goal for the Czech Republic encounter, before Jordan Pickford takes the gloves for the remaining two matches in this international window.
One decision could come at right-back as the German mulls whether to continue with Jarell Quansah or whether this is the right time to reintegrate Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold into the side. At left-back, Lewis Hall will likely come in if O’Reilly is unable to play, while Jarrad Branthwaite is an option instead of Konsa if required.
Possible England line-up
Potential England XI: Trafford; Quansah, Guehi, Konsa, Hall; Anderson, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
