After the rollercoaster of the World Cup and impressive victories in the Nations League, it’s back to business as usual for England, who begin their road to Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic at Wembley. The Three Lions haven’t failed to qualify for a tournament since 2008, and it’s hard to see Gareth Southgate’s men having too many problems topping the group this time around. The Czech Republic will probably provide England with their sternest test of the campaign, but they sit 44th in the FIFA World Rankings and no longer have players the calibre of Petr Cech, Tomas Rosicky and Pavel Nedved.
England Host Czech Republic in Euro 2020 Qualification Opener
Attacking Firepower
Gareth Southgate certainly has plenty of attacking talent at his disposal. Despite the injury to Marcus Rashford, England’s likely front three of Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho will certainly cause problems. The trio have scored 55 goals between them this season. In particular, the form of Sterling must excite Southgate. He has been outstanding in Manchester City’s title challenge this term. With 21 strikes to his name, he will certainly be expected to start replicating his scintillating performances at international level. The 24-year-old has improved his finishing in the past 12 months. Southgate will be hoping for the pacy winger to build on his match-winning display in Spain last October.
Jadon Sancho has been terrific for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga this campaign, and he’s pushing for a first competitive start. The former Manchester City man has nine goals to his name this season, and he’s in line to replace the injured Rashford. Elsewhere, Callum Hudson-Odoi has been a shining light in an otherwise dark season for Chelsea. He’s received his first ever senior callup and will be hoping to make his debut this weekend.
Injury Problems
It’s not all good news for England fans though. As well as Rashford, five other players have been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. Defensively, Southgate will be without Fabian Delph, John Stones, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luke Shaw. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will also miss out. On a positive note, these situations open the door for other players. Aaron Wan-Bissaka could replace Alexander-Arnold at right back after this game if Southgate feels more cover is needed. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season at Crystal Palace, and plenty of people were calling for him to be included in the initial squad.
In-form Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was drafted into the squad after Loftus-Cheek’s withdrawal. He’ll be hoping to win his second cap, while fellow midfield man Declan Rice, who is in the squad for the first time after choosing to represent England instead of the Republic of Ireland, will be looking to win his first.
Czech Republic
Since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1992, the Czech Republic have qualified for every European Championship. Their most impressive showing came in 2004 when the Czechs managed a third-place finish. However, they failed to reach the knockout stages of Euro 2016. Jaroslav Šilhavý’s side finished second in a Nations League group topped by Ukraine, so they remain in League B.
They do have a couple of players that English fans will be familiar with. Centre-back Tomas Kalas is on loan at Bristol City from Chelsea, and striker Matej Vydra plays for Burnley.
Last Meeting
England’s last competitive clash with Czechoslovakia was in the 1982 World Cup. Since the break-up of Czechoslovakia, the Three Lions have faced the Czech Republic in two friendlies. Most recently, the sides played out a 2-2 draw at Wembley in 2008, with Joe Cole netting a stoppage-time equaliser.
Prediction
England should comfortably qualify for Euro 2020, and it’s difficult to see them having too many problems on Friday night. The dynamism of England’s attacking players should be too hot for the Czech Republic to handle.
Prediction: England 3-0 Czech Republic
Main Photo
