England beat 10-man Czech Republic 2-0 for first Nations League win under Tuchel
Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored as England beat 10-man Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague for their first UEFA Nations League win under Thomas Tuchel, moving second in Group A3.
Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored as England beat 10-man Czech Republic 2-0 at the Fortuna Arena in Prague to secure their first Nations League win under Thomas Tuchel.
Lyon midfielder Pavel Sulc was sent off for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson in the 25th minute, yet the Czechs kept England at bay until half-time. Referee Umut Meler initially showed yellow but upgraded it to red after a VAR check.
Morgan Rogers, in for Jude Bellingham, struck the post after 15 minutes, while Elliot Anderson and Bukayo Saka were also denied as the Czechs dug in before the break.
Gordon broke the deadlock in the early moments of the second half, heading Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint cross into the net — his third England goal in three games, following strikes against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final defeat and against Spain.
Alexander-Arnold, making his first England start in almost two years, was one of four changes from Saturday’s 3-2 Wembley defeat by world champions Spain. Kane then gave England breathing space midway through the second half, smashing the ball past Kovar after it fell to him in the box.
“Deserved victory,” said Tuchel. “It’s strange to get an early red card. It’s not the best for the spectators, not the best for the team. It’s an awkward one but we got an important win and that’s what counts.”
The win takes England second in Group A3, three points behind Spain, who beat Croatia 4-1 in Seville.
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