Kane and Gordon give England victory over Czech Republic in Nations League

England claimed their first victory of the UEFA Nations League campaign, overcoming the determined Czech Republic side 1-0 in Prague. Coach Thomas Tuchel's team was initially without their most dangerous player, Pavel Sulc, who was sent off after just 25 minutes for a high challenge on Elliot Anderson. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who started his first England match since October 2024, set the tone with an impressive cross for Anthony Gordon to head in the 47th minute.

Gordon, who shone in the previous loss to Spain, continued his good form, forming a strong partnership with fellow Newcastle United player Lewis Hall at left-back. England dominated the game, with Morgan Rogers' shot hitting the woodwork in the first half and Czech captain Ladislav Krejci heading Hall's cross onto his own post in the second half.

The decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute when captain Harry Kane scored his 87th goal in 123 appearances with a powerful left-foot strike after Czech defenders failed to clear. Tuchel utilized the pair of Alexander-Arnold and Hall as full-backs, having previously left them out of the World Cup squad last summer. Both players impressed, with Alexander-Arnold providing a world-class cross and Hall demonstrating solid defensive skills.

Their performances sent a clear message to Tuchel that they should continue to be part of his plans. Despite facing a Czech Republic without their top threat, the match was effectively over once England broke through. The debut of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott was also noteworthy, though he missed the target of his surge. The victory was a well-deserved result for England, who now face Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday.