Czech Republic and England both lost their UEFA Nations League (UNL) openers in League A, putting both nations under pressure to get off the mark here in Prague.
Match News and Current Form
Czech Republic are yet to win a competitive international in 90 minutes in 2026 following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Croatia (D3, L3). Santi Denia, their first-ever foreign manager, will have taken some positives from the loss in his first game in charge, but suffering a first home defeat since September 2022 (W16, D2) was a less-than-ideal way to endear himself to the Czech supporters. They haven’t lost back-to-back home games this decade, leaving the Spaniard under pressure to deliver a response as they try to shake off the hangover from their disappointing World Cup group-stage exit.
England opened their campaign by losing 3-2 at home to World champions Spain, squandering a 2-1 lead and missing a penalty as Thomas Tuchel’s side once again came up short against a fellow side ranked inside FIFA’s top ten. Despite winning just one of their last four games inside 90 minutes (D1, L2), supporters will travel in an expectant mood, as since the end of Euro 2024, the Three Lions have conceded just once in competitive away action (W7). That winning run could be about to grind to a halt if England’s League A away form is anything to go by though, as they’re winless in five such outings (D2, L3).
Head-to-Head History
England have won three of the five previous H2Hs (D1, L1) but the Czech Republic’s sole victory did come at this stadium back in October 2019.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Three of the Czech Republic’s last four games produced a goalless first half.
Seven of the Czech Republic’s last nine matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Each of England’s last four games produced fewer than ten corners in regulation time.
England conceded four times after the 70th minute across their last three internationals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Pavel Šulc has five international goals for Czech Republic across four wins, with three of those goals coming in UNL home games. Jude Bellingham created England’s first goal against Spain, taking his tally of goal contributions for club or country this term to six (G3, A3), with all three of his goals coming in the first half.
Czech Republic appear to have no new injury concerns, while England hope Lewis Hall will be fit enough to feature here.
For all the latest team news, please check the ScoresStat match centre.
Betting Analysis
England are unsurprisingly huge favourites here given their recent form, especially away from home, but backing Draw/England in the half-time/full-time market appeals if the hosts can keep it tight early on.
Author: John Pennington
