Pavel Sulc’s first-half red card proved decisive as England overcame a shaky start to secure a 2-0 Nations League victory over the Czech Republic in Prague.
The Three Lions struggled during the opening stages and were fortunate not to fall behind after Sulc missed two good opportunities. Anthony Gordon, with support from former club-mate Lewis Hall, remained one of England’s brightest threats. He almost created the opener before the dismissal, but Morgan Rogers’ first-time effort from his low cross struck the far post.
Sulc was eventually sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge on Elliot Anderson’s shin. However, England still struggled to impose themselves until Thomas Tuchel made tactical adjustments and introduced Eberechi Eze at half-time.
The changes immediately paid dividends after the restart. Less than two minutes into the second half, Gordon stooped to head Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inviting cross into the net, scoring in his third consecutive competitive appearance.
Hall nearly added another when his dangerous low delivery was deflected onto the post by Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci, with Rogers ready to pounce.
England soon doubled their advantage through Harry Kane. A combination involving Rogers and a deflection off Krejci created the opening for Kane, who calmly swept the ball home for his 87th international goal.
With the result effectively secured, Tuchel handed competitive debuts to Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha, who both came on shortly afterwards.
Scott came close to marking his debut with a goal, while Rogers and Eze also had opportunities to extend England’s lead. Nevertheless, the visitors comfortably saw out the victory and earned a much-needed boost to their Nations League campaign.
