Czech Republic coach Santi Denia keeps large part of World Cup squad for Nations League games

PRAGUE (AP) — Santi Denia, the newly appointed Czech Republic coach, has retained a significant portion of his World Cup squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia, England, and World Cup winners Spain. The Spaniard, appointed on July 31, took control of the team following their early exit from the World Cup. Denia has selected 15 players from the World Cup squad, which included teams that lost to South Korea, Mexico, and drew with South Africa, finishing at the bottom of Group A with just one point.

Midfielders Lukáš Ambros from Anderlecht, Roman Macek from Sparta Prague, and Matěj Radosta from Teplice are among the three new additions to the roster. With Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick announcing his retirement from international soccer following the World Cup's elimination, only three forwards remain on the team. Injured West Ham midfielder Tomáš Souček is not available, but forwards Pavel Šulc of Lyon, Adam Hložek of Hoffenheim, and goalkeepers Lukáš Horníček from Newcastle and Antonín Kinský from Tottenham are included.

The Czech Republic will begin their Nations League campaign by hosting Croatia on September 26, followed by matches against England in Prague on September 29 and Spain on October 3. A final game against England is scheduled for October 6 at the Webley Stadium.