England take on the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday night in what is now a straight shootout to top Group D at this year’s European Championships.
After a lacklustre performance against Scotland, Gareth Southgate’s England side have come under pressure from fans, with selection and tactics being criticised following the 0-0 draw on Friday.
But the Three Lions remain in control of their own destiny with victory over the Czech’s ensuring they top Group D. A draw will see the Czech’s take top spot on goal difference and defeat for the English could see them finish third if Scotland beat Croatia and finish with a better goal difference. If Scotland fails to win, England will secure qualification regardless of how many goals Croatia score, as the head-to-head between the two World Cup semi-finalists will favour England, after beating the Croats 1-0 in the opening round.
Southgate may look to bring in the experience of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson alongside Declan Rice for Kalvin Phillips, who struggled to replicate his sensational performance against Croatia.
With many options at Southgate’s disposal his team selection will be heavily analysed and criticised if England fails to get a win out of this one. On paper England should win comfortably and England fans may take some solace over the fact the Czech’s have never won at Wembley.
A draw may not be such a bad result though, as finishing second could mean avoiding the big hitters from Group F and see a second round tie against Slovakia or Sweden.
Score Prediction
England 2-1 Czech Republic
Predicted Line ups
England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Mings, Shaw; Rice, Henderson; Mount, Grealish, Sterling; Kane (4-2-3-1)
Czech Republic: Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Boril; Holes, Soucek; Jankto, Darida, Krmencik; Schick (4-2-3-1)