Czech Republic – England: Three Lions Ease Past Ten-Man Czech Republic (0-2)

A red card for the home side midway through the first half gave England a much simpler task here. Thomas Tuchel’s side pressed high and deployed a renewed 3-1-6 structure in possession. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane eventually bagged the crucial goals.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

England took part in an entertaining game against Spain last weekend to kick off this Nations League campaign, although it ended in defeat. Much of this occurred through self-inflicted errors though, and they showed some promising moments in the game overall.

Their Czech opponents lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape here, with a back four of Štěpán Chaloupek, Robin Hranáč, Ladislav Krejčí, and Jiří Sláma. Michal Sadílek and Lukáš Červ partnered in central midfield with Matěj Radosta and Adam Karabec wide. Pavel Šulc supported Adam Hložek up front.

Thomas Tuchel meanwhile made a few changes to his England lineup from the Spain game, although he decided to keep the core of the team stable.

Trent Alexander-Arnold came into the back four alongside Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Guéhi, and George Hall, while Elliot Anderson and Myles Lewis-Skelly played in midfield again. Morgan Rogers came into the number ten role, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon. Harry Kane then completed the frontline.

High pressing continues

One of the clearest features of England’s game against Spain was the commitment from Tuchel’s side to get into a high man-to-man press at every opportunity. It helped them to gain a foothold in . . .