placeholder image
Getty Images
The latest England team news, injury update and predicted XI ahead of their Nations League clash with Czechia
England’s Nations League campaign got off to a tricky start last weekend, when they lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley Stadium. The Three Lions went a goal down after just two minutes, when wonderkid Lamine Yamal capitalised on a catastrophic Marc Guehi error, but England then came roaring back with two goals in four minutes to take a 2-1 lead into half-time.
Skipper Harry Kane then missed a golden opportunity to increase his side’s lead further, slipping at the vital moment when taking a penalty kick and ‘double-touched’ his effort against the crossbar, which saw Spain awarded a free-kick. The visitors then went up a gear with a much improved second half, bagging the three points thanks to goals from Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will take encouragement from their performance if not the result against the world champions, and have a chance to bounce back this evening when they take on Czechia in Prague. England have played the nation four times since their formation in 1993, and they last met at the delayed Euro 2020 where Raheem Sterling’s goal saw Gareth Southgate’s side top their group with a 1-0 win.
Ahead of England’s clash in Prague, Tuchel has two key injury concerns: Nico O’Reilly will miss the match with an unspecified injury, after missing Monday’s training session. Ezri Konsa also didn’t take part, but has travelled with the squad and will be in contention for a start if he can prove his fitness ahead of kick-off.
As the Three Lions continue their preparations for their must-win Nations League clash, ahead of a trickier trip to take on Croatia, we’ve named the most likely XI Tuchel will field at the Fortuna Arena to take on Czechia.
Will Lewis Hall start against Czechia?
Four-cap left-back Lewis Hall is set to start against Czechiaplaceholder image
Four-cap left-back Lewis Hall is set to start against Czechia | Getty Images
England will set up against Czechia with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation that has served them well under Tuchel so far, with his side winning 17 of his 23 matches in charge. James Trafford is expected to step in between the sticks for Jordan Pickford once again, with the Nations League being used as low-stakes opportunity to blood the nation’s next number one.
In his pre-match press conference, Tuchel hinted at minimal changes for Tuesday’s game, as he looks to prioritise cohesion over fresh legs. This is likely to be bad news for right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, with his former Liverpool teammate Jarell Quansah expected to keep his spot. On the left flank, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is set to start in the absence of O’Reilly.
Konsa’s inclusion looks to be a 50/50 decision, but with two matches still to come after the away game in Czechia, Tuchel may well take the cautious approach and grant the Arsenal star some additional recovery time. This could hand Jarrad Branthwaite his first start for England, alongside Manchester City’s Guehi who will be looking to atone for his mistake against Spain.
England predicted XI vs Czechia: midfield and attack
Harry Kane will once again lead the line for England when they take on Czechiaplaceholder image
Harry Kane will once again lead the line for England when they take on Czechia | Getty Images
With Declan Rice out of the squad with injury, his Arsenal teammate Miles Lewis-Skelly is expected to remain in a midfield role after impressing against Spain. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott will be hopeful of making his debut as a substitute at some point during the ninety minutes. Man City dynamo Elliot Anderson will partner Lewis-Skelly in the heart of midfield.
On the right flank, Bukayo Saka will get the nod ahead of Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, who missed out on making the squad last weekend due to the 23-man restriction. Anthony Gordon, who took his goal superbly against Spain, will play on the left and look to carve open the opposition defensive with his relentless attacking intent.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who also looked in fine form against the 2026 World Cup winners, will play in his favoured number ten role again. He’ll be in behind captain Kane, whose deflected goal against Spain saw him inch closer to the 100 England goals mark - he’s now just 14 away from reaching the historic milestone for his country.