England claimed their first UEFA Nations League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague on Tuesday evening. Goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane secured the three points for Thomas Tuchel's side.
England started brightly, with Morgan Rogers hitting the post. The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Pavel Sulc was sent off for a challenge on Elliot Anderson. Gordon scored seconds into the second half, and Kane added a clinical finish to seal the win.
Trafford and Alexander-Arnold in the spotlight
James Trafford became the first England goalkeeper other than Jordan Pickford to start consecutive matches since Nick Pope in September 2022. He made a brave save early on following an Anderson error, but had little else to do on a night he kept a clean sheet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was handed his first start under Tuchel. He was pushed off the ball too easily in the first half, leading to a chance for the hosts, but improved after the break, pressing high and delivering an inch-perfect cross for Gordon's goal.
Sulc's red card and Gordon's scoring run
Czechia's task was made harder when Sulc was shown a red card midway through the first half. The Lyon midfielder, linked with a surprise move to Wrexham in the summer, was initially booked but the referee upgraded the decision after reviewing the VAR monitor. The call looked harsh, with Sulc making only brief contact, though the tackle was somewhat reckless.
Gordon scored for the third consecutive England appearance, nodding in Alexander-Arnold's cross. He has now contributed to a goal in each of his last six internationals. He could have added assists, but Lewis Hall rolled wide and Rogers nodded wide from his crosses.
Kane seals the win
Kane made amends for his costly penalty miss against Spain, firing clinically past Kovar after a loose ball fell to him in the area. The goal took his international tally to 87, strengthening his case for the Ballon d'Or.
