England head to Prague, Czech Republic knowing that a victory over the Czechs would see them book their place at next summer’s UEFA Euro 2020.
Czech Republic meanwhile need all three points in their battle to secure an automatic spot at the main tournament.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesCzech Republic have a full squad available for selection with no injury withdrawals ahead of this match.
England will be without midfielder, James Maddison after the Leicester player withdrew with illness on Thursday, whilst Everton’s Fabian Delph pulled out with a hamstring strain.
Tom Heaton is also absent after returning to Aston Villa due to an undisclosed injury concern, which in turn saw Dean Henderson promoted from the U21s up into the main squad as Heaton’s replacement.
Stat Attack
- England are unbeaten in three previous meetings with the Czech Republic (W2, D1).
- This is England’s first trip to the Czech Republic, having played all three previous meetings on home soil.
- Raheem Sterling has scored for England in all four EURO 2020 qualifiers so far this year, netting six goals across those games.
- Patrik Schick has scored three goals in Czech Republic’s two home qualifiers so far this year.
- England are unbeaten in their last 11 away Euro qualifiers, dating back to a 2-1 defeat in Russia in October 2007. (W10, D1).
Prediction
England currently seem to be on a roll but with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Joe Gomez and Harry Kane out of form, I am worried that they might struggle if the Czechs decide to play a similar approach to how Kosovo did last month.
Gareth Southgate’s starting eleven is therefore going to be a key sign of his tactics and particularly if Tammy Abraham gets the starting nod, because I can see a comfortable away win if Abraham and Sterling start up front.
The early stages of the match however will be crucial because if England can get a stern grip on the game and dominate, they should win this without conceding.
Prediction: Czech Republic 0-3 England