Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane struck in the second half as England bounced back from defeat to Spain with a first Nations League win in Prague.
England got their Nations League campaign up and running in Prague on Tuesday night, beating Czechia 2-0 through second-half goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. It was the response Thomas Tuchel wanted after Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley.
The match swung England's way midway through the first half. Czechia midfielder Pavel Sulc caught Elliot Anderson high in the 23rd minute and, after a VAR review sent the referee to the pitchside monitor, was shown a red card. The hosts had been the better side up to that point, but the sending-off drained their attacking ambition.
England still took until just after the restart to break through. Trent Alexander-Arnold, starting for his country for the first time in nearly two years, pinged a low cross to the far post and Gordon's header found the corner.
Kane finished the job from close range, drilling a loose ball into the far corner after Morgan Rogers had carried it into the box. It was the captain's 87th England goal and helped deliver a first clean sheet in seven matches.
Gordon singled out Alexander-Arnold afterwards. "I make that run time and time again and only a certain number of players have that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass. That's why he's so good and I've been dying to play with him for that reason."
Tuchel, who left Jude Bellingham out of the starting line-up, called it a "deserved victory". "Strange to get an early red card, not the best for the team and spectators," he said. "It's an awkward one but we kept going, got a win and that's what counts."
Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha both made their England debuts off the bench, while Bellingham came on late and took the armband. England, now second in Group A3, travel to Croatia on Saturday.
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