Czechia 0 – 2 England
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
Predictably, Tuchel started the game without any Everton players. There are four changes for England from Saturday’s defeat, three in defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Trevoh Chalobah, Lewis Hall and Morgan Rogers replace Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly and Jude Bellingham.
Rio Ngumoha, who was left out of the matchday squad on Saturday, is among the subs.
After 24 mins, Czechia’s star player, Pavel Sulc, was sent off. He caught Anderson’s leg with his studs. It wasn’t malicious but it was a poor challenge.
Early in the second half, Anthony Gordon got on the end of a decent cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold and headed it intelligently past the Czech keeper.
After Kane made it 2-0 for England, a raft of additional subs did not include either Garner or Branthwaite
England: Trafford; Alexander-Arnold, Chalobah, Guehi, Hall; Anderson (70′ Scott), Lewis-Skelly (46′ Eze); Saka (71′ Ngumoha), Rogers, Gordon (81′ Gibbs-White); Kane (71′ Bellingham).
Subs not Used: Pickford, Steele, Konsa, Branthwaite, Garner, Calvert-Lewin, Quansah.
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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