Tomas Soucek looking upset, with Nuno Espirito Santo alongside him
Credit: Breaking Media
Daniel Lewis
Wed 25 March 2026 16:10, UK
Tomas Soucek looks set to be dropped by Czechia over the international break in what could be a blessing in disguise for West Ham United.
The 31-year-old has been capped 87 times by his country and has been voted Czechia’s Player of the Year four separate times.
However, Soucek is at the centre of a messy situation for his national side due to himself and some of his team-mates not thanking fans after November’s win over Gibraltar.
Soucek may now face further misery as, having been stripped of the captain’s armband for Thursday’s World Cup qualifying playoff against Republic of Ireland, he may even be dropped altogether.
In a way, that would be good news for Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of West Ham’s FA Cup quarter-final tie against Leeds United in 11 days’ time.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
🏟️ WEST HAM MATCH DAY CENTRE 🏟️
Line-ups, live ratings, insider verdicts and tactical analysis. Follow every beat from the London Stadium.
Live 24/7 updates from your definitive West Ham United source
Tomas Soucek could be dropped for Czechia’s clash vs Republic of Ireland
The Sun reports that new manager Miroslav Koubek is being tipped to leave Soucek out of his starting XI altogether against Ireland.
That is based on what has been seen at Czechia’s training camp this week, with a different midfield three seemingly preferred.
Category Detail
National Team Czech Republic
Senior Debut 15 Nov 2016 vs Denmark
Competitive Debut 10 Jun 2017 vs Norway
Caps 87
Goals 17
First Goal 8 Nov 2017 vs Iceland
Captain Since 2021
Major Tournaments Euro 2020 (QF), Euro 2024
Notable Match Hat-trick vs Estonia (2021)
Youth Career Czech U21 (Euro 2017)
While it is not nice to see Soucek, one of West Ham’s greatest ever signings, being snubbed like this, it does ultimately benefit the Hammers.
Czechia will have another game to come this window – either a qualifying showdown against Denmark or North Macedonia – or a friendly.
Tomas Soucek speaking on West Ham's relegation prospects.
Credit: Breaking Media
It may well be that Soucek is overlooked for both, keeping him nice and fresh for when West Ham take on Leeds.
Beyond that, a crucial final run-in awaits in the Irons’ battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.
Soucek set to play important part in West Ham fight for survival
Soucek has been used 28 times in the Premier League this season, starting 17 of those matches.
The 31-year-old midfielder remains a key player under Nuno Espirito Santo and that will no change, regardless of his Czechia woes.
As a reminder, West Ham have seven Premier League games remaining – and possible three in the FA Cup – once they return to action.
Tomas Soucek of West Ham United celebrates scoring the first goal during the Manchester United match.
Credit: Breaking Media
Nuno needs all hands on deck and a player of Soucek’s experience, and indeed love for the club, will prove invaluable.
The hope is that Soucek comes back fully fit, along with all the other West Ham players who have flown off across the globe, in time for the first of those clashes with Leeds.