England secured their first win of the UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague, overcoming a stubborn home side that played with 10 men for most of the match.
Thomas Tuchel’s team had opened their campaign with a defeat against Spain at Wembley, but they controlled much of Tuesday’s match after Czech Republic forward Pavel Sulc was sent off in the 25th minute for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson.
England struggled to break through the Czech defence before the dismissal, but the numerical advantage eventually told.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first England start since October 2024, delivered the breakthrough shortly after half-time. His precise cross found Anthony Gordon, who headed the ball beyond the Czech goalkeeper in the 47th minute.
Gordon was again among England’s most influential attackers after impressing in the defeat by Spain. He also developed an effective partnership with Lewis Hall, his former Newcastle United team-mate, who started at left-back.
England had several opportunities to extend their advantage. Morgan Rogers hit the woodwork in the first half, while Czech captain Ladislav Krejci later turned Hall’s cross onto his own post.
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Harry Kane finally gave England breathing room in the 69th minute. The captain reacted quickly after Czech defenders failed to clear the ball and fired a left-foot finish into the net.
The goal was Kane’s 87th for England in his 123rd international appearance.
Alexander-Arnold and Hall strengthen their claims
Tuchel handed starts to Alexander-Arnold and Hall after both had been left out of England’s World Cup squad last summer.
Alexander-Arnold has faced competition for Tuchel’s trust since the German took over from Gareth Southgate. His previous England start came as a left-back against Finland in October 2024 under interim manager Lee Carsley.
Hall also entered the match after losing the left-back position to Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly during the summer. He was recalled after O’Reilly withdrew because of injury.
Both players took advantage of the opportunity. Alexander-Arnold showed his attacking quality with the delivery that created Gordon’s opening goal, while Hall provided a solid defensive performance.
The pair also benefited from their understanding with Gordon, creating a promising combination on England’s left.
The Czech Republic’s attacking threat was reduced significantly after Sulc’s dismissal, but England maintained control and created enough chances to deserve the victory.
Tuchel also handed Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott his England debut. The midfielder came close to scoring after one of his trademark runs but narrowly missed the target.
England will now turn their attention to Croatia, with Tuchel’s side travelling to Rijeka on Saturday for their next Nations League fixture.
