England are in Prague to play Czechia this evening

Michael Kenrick
29/09/2026

Thomas Tuchel takes his England side to Fortuna Arena in the Czech capital this evening for their second game in Group 3 of the Uefa Nations League A competition, with James Trafford getting another opportunity in goal while Jordan Pickford sits this one out.

Nico O’Reilly has been ruled out of this game but Ezri Konsa is set to be in the squad. The pair were the only two members of the England squad to miss training on Monday morning, with the players following their own individual programmes.  Jarrad Branthwaite came on for Marc Guehi late on against Spain and could be a contender to start if Konsa is unavailable.

When it comes to James Garner’s chances, Sky Sports reporter Roy Dorsett says: “There’s a big debate about England’s midfield.

“I think when Elliot Anderson starts and Declan Rice is alongside him, nobody argues, they’re England’s best two central midfielders, England’s best two Number 8s.

“But when one of those is missing, as is on this occasion, there’s a clamour for places. Every single midfield option offers something different.

“Kobbie Mainoo is a brilliant ball player, links up the play very well and plays through the thirds. Lewis-Skelly, brilliant for Arsenal this season and the back end of last season, offers a little more defensively.

“We’ve got Alex Scott in this squad, who hasn’t even started a game, hasn’t made his debut for England yet, probably the most silky player out there, the best of the ball, best passer.

“And James Garner, a real powerhouse, pace, power, wins the ball back well, so it’s horses for courses I suppose is what I’m trying to get to.

“I think Myles Lewis-Skelly may get the nod to start alongside Elliot Anderson tonight, Thomas Tuchel likes that extra bit of grit in midfield.”

The match is being shown live on ITV 1, kick-off at 7:45 pm BST.

Read More — Pickford vs Trafford: Why the rush to change England goalkeepers?

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