England travel to Prague to face the Czech Republic in their second Nations League group game on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, looking to get their campaign up and running after a 3-2 home defeat to Spain.
The Three Lions were in action for the first time since claiming bronze at the 2026 World Cup, taking on the reigning European and world champions at Wembley Stadium. Despite leading at half time, England surrendered their advantage after Harry Kane missed a penalty early in the second half and were ultimately beaten 3-2.
The Czech Republic were also beaten in their Nations League opener, losing at home to Croatia, and sit bottom of group A3 due to scoring fewer goals than England. This will be the first of two meetings between the two nations during this extended autumn international break, with England hosting the return fixture on October 6.
Date, kick-off time and how to watch
Czech Republic vs England is scheduled for a 7.45pm BST kick-off on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.
In the UK, the match is being televised live and free to air on ITV, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST on ITV1. The game can also be streamed live online through the ITVX website and app, which is free with registration. Standard Sport’s live blog will feature expert insight and analysis from England correspondent Dom Smith.
Team news
James Trafford will get the nod in goal for England once again, despite conceding three goals against Spain. Thomas Tuchel has said the Leeds goalkeeper will have a two-game audition in the absence of the injured Dean Henderson.
Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly were both at fault for two of Spain’s goals at the weekend, and there could be the temptation to withdraw at least one from the back four, even though suggestions of the Manchester City charges acting as a distraction have been dismissed. Lewis Hall is an option at left-back after missing the Spain game with a minor injury scare, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is pushing to start in a game where England are expected to dominate possession.
Tuchel could, though, be tempted to stick with the same midfield and attacking trio that started at Wembley, as captain Harry Kane goes in search of another goal.
Adam Karabec scored the Czech Republic’s equaliser against Croatia before later limping off and is therefore a major doubt to face England. Newcastle's Lukas Hornicek is expected to get the nod in goal over Tottenham's Antonin Kinsky, former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal is set to captain the side, but Tomas Soucek is absent through injury.
Prediction and head-to-head record
England had their moments against Spain but were ultimately punished by their own mistakes and some quality finishing from the world champions. Facing the Czech Republic is arguably the perfect game for Tuchel’s side as they look to swiftly bounce back and avoid falling further behind the top two in the group.
Injury issues have slightly impacted Tuchel's ability to rotate, particularly in defence and midfield, but they should have more than enough attacking talent to get the job done here. Prediction: England to win, 3-0.
England have only ever lost once to the Czech Republic, on October 11, 2019 in qualification for Euro 2020, when Kane’s fifth minute penalty was swiftly cancelled out by Jakub Brabec before Zdenek Ondrasek scored the winner in the 85th minute. Head-to-head record: Czechia wins 1, England wins 3, draws 1.
