Czech Republic v England LIVE: Alexander-Arnold starts and Bellingham rested for Nations League clash | OneFootball

England travel to the Czech Republic this evening for their second group A3 match of their Nations League campaign looking to bounce back after being beaten 3-2 by Spain at Wembley last Saturday.

The Three Lions were behind in just the second minute but showed mental resiliance and fortitude to make a comeback in the match before the world champions clinched victory in the second half. Thomas Tuchel praised the performance but will want to build on the positives and make sure his team cut out the errors that blighted their display against Spain.

The Three Lions will be confident about getting points on the board this evening with their outing against the Czech Republic as they have only lost once in five competitive meetings with the Central European side.

For their part, Czech Republic competed against fellow group opponents Croatia in their opening Nations League fixture with Adam Karabec cancelling out Luka Modric’s opener before Marco Pasalic’s second half goal inflicted a loss on them. Like England, they will be hoping to bounce back from that result and secure some points tonight.

Spain performance can be 'template' for England

Anthony Gordon said that England’s performance against Spain can be used as a template for how the Three Lions should play.

He said: “We’ve talked a lot about identity for this team moving forward, and that’s the template, if you want to phrase it that way.

“Like I said a couple of days ago, I don’t think there is a gap. I feel like we’re right there and we can win that game.

“If the penalty goes in, I feel like we go on and win the game. In hindsight, it’s always easy to say that, but I felt good in the game. I feel like if the penalty went in, we would have won.

“So I don’t think there is a gap. I felt confident, but feeling confident doesn’t always translate to a win, but again, I thought you’re seeing here tonight, that we’re a top team.”

(PA)

Mike Jones29 September 2026 19:09

Harry Kane reflects on Spain defeat

England captain, Harry Kane, gave his thoughts on the team’s performance following the 3-2 defeat to Spain at the weekend.

“I think I spoke before about how we reached good levels at the World Cup but didn’t quite put a full 90 minutes together,” he said.

“It was probably similar again. We had a lot of good moments, but I think that period was as good as we’ve played in a long, long time. That’s the standard that we know we can reach.

“We’re playing against the reigning world and European champions and we went toe-to-toe with them. On another day, for sure, we’re the ones who win the game.

“So we have to take the positives from it. It’s disappointing now, of course, but we have to dust ourselves down and go again."

(PA)

England’s first-half blitz against Spain shows what Three Lions’ identity must be under Thomas Tuchel

England spent all week telling us why they can’t keep the ball like Spain. We weren’t taught that way. We don’t have the players. It’s not in our DNA.

As if to drill home the point, Marc Guehi got lost on the edge of his own box like a scout staring at a broken compass, and Lamine Yamal punished him.

Two minutes gone, 1-0 down to the world champions, and at that moment everyone inside Wembley Stadium thought the same thing...

Lawrence Ostlere29 September 2026 18:51

Tuchel makes defensive changes

Thomas Tuchel has named his team to take on Czech Republic tonight.

The biggest changes are in the defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold starting at right-back over Jarell Quansah. Trevoh Chalobah comes in to replace Ezri Konsa and Lewis Hall begins the game at left-back replacing Nico O’Reilly.

The other big news is that Jude Bellingham is rested with Morgan Rogers starting in his place.

Mike Jones29 September 2026 18:35

Czechs will be 'full of motivation'

More from the England manager now who was asked how he and the team have prepared to face Czech Republic.

“We only analysed one game from the Czech team, as they have a new coach,” Tuchel replied.

“We saw a flexible midfield of three. A lot of changes in position. Wingers attacking full-backs and a team that was well organised.

"Full of motivation to take their chance, that is what we saw."

Czech fixture not a 'must win' for England

Despite losing to Spain last weekend, Tuchel does not feel his team ‘must win’ against the Czechs tonight.

"It's a bit early for must-win,” Tuchel explained.

“I know what you mean but it is a bit early in the group for a must-win.

"We always arrive and prepare the team with a target to win. It was the target against Spain and it is the same.

"We respect the quality and the challenge it brings. You play in Prague against Czechia, it is difficult. There will be support for the home team.

"We always prepare for the win, we want the win. It is too early to speak for a must. It would be ideal.”

(PA)