3 wins from 4!

England finished their extended international break efforts with another comfortable victory, as they end this period of the Nations League with 3 victories from 4 games, 3 clean sheets and 14 goals scored. A huge effort to shake off their World Cup hangover, and although the clash with Spain leaves a slight disappointment on the camp, England have proven themselves to be a dominant force across football, attack-minded and ruthless when required as they picked up some historic moments during the period.

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Teams

England: Pickford, Hall (Gibbs-White 73′), Guehi (Branthwaite 63′), Quansah, Trent, Lewis-Skelly, Bellingham (Ngumoha 73′), Anderson (Garner 63′), Eze, Kane (Calvert-Lewin 82′), Rogers

Subs: Trafford, Steele, Lewis, Chalobah, Gordon, Saka

Czechia: Hornicek, Slama (Zmrzly 68′), Hranac, Vitik, Coufal (Kricfalusi 84′), Sadilek (Macek 68′), Kral, Lingr (Radosta 46′), Sulc, Ambros (Hlozek 58′), Naderi

Subs: Kinsky, Kovar, Sacek, Bucha, Vasulin, Subert, Sejk

England 3-0 Czechia

England rounded off an impressive international break with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday night, strengthening their position in Nations League Group A3. Thomas Tuchel’s side controlled the game for long spells and, after a slightly hesitant opening, gradually imposed their authority on a Czech team that struggled to create any sustained pressure. The evening belonged to Harry Kane, who marked his record-equalling 125th England appearance with two goals, taking his international tally to 91.

England’s breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute, although Czech defender Vladimír Coufal will certainly want to forget the moment. Jude Bellingham released Kane into space on the right and the England captain whipped a dangerous low ball across the face of goal. Coufal, expecting Eberechi Eze to arrive, stuck out a leg and inadvertently diverted the cross beyond goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček. England could have doubled their advantage soon afterwards when Elliot Anderson fired over from a promising position, but they did not have to wait much longer. In the 40th minute, Anderson produced a superb pass over the Czech defence, Morgan Rogers’ delivery fell perfectly for Kane and the captain made no mistake from close range.

Kane was not finished. England continued to press after half-time, with Myles Lewis-Skelly providing some eye-catching moments in midfield and Bellingham again proving a constant threat between the lines. Seven minutes after the restart, Lewis Hall swung in a corner from the right and Kane rose highest at the far post, directing a downward header into the bottom corner for his second of the night. It was a fitting way to cap a landmark appearance, and his sixth goal of an outstanding international window. Czechia rarely looked capable of mounting a comeback, with Jordan Pickford ultimately enjoying a relatively quiet evening as England’s defence protected another clean sheet.

The closing stages became something of a celebration for England, with Tuchel able to introduce fresh legs and Kane receiving a standing ovation when he was withdrawn in the 82nd minute. Rio Ngumoha also made history by becoming the second-youngest player to represent England at Wembley. The victory completed three wins in four matches for England during the international break, following their 7-0 demolition of Croatia, and leaves them on nine points in Group A3, behind unbeaten Spain. With Kane continuing to produce at a remarkable rate and Tuchel’s squad showing increasing depth and cohesion, England can look ahead to the final stages of the Nations League with genuine confidence.

Talking Points

We have to start with the record-equalling appearance by Harry Kane. His 125th England appearance puts him level in the all-time records for England’s men senior appearances, and he is showing no signs of stopping. At 33 years of age, it feels like Kane is at the stage of getting recognition for his incredible records. The bookies favourite for the Balon d’Or, set to become England’s outright record holder in the next international break and well on track for over 100 goals for his nation, Kane is simply a remarkable figure and deserves to be held in highest regard. His September international break resulted in 6 goals and 1 assist across his 4 appearances, and he sits with a 7 game scoring streak for club and country going back to early September.

Looking at the team overall, they have been hugely impressive in this period, and while getting a longer period to see England in action, and seeing them come up against equally matched sides gives fans more of an incentive to watch. While some of the games drifted in the closing stages, this September break feels like the perfect antidote to the World Cup exit, as even my own belief of Tuchel moving on from the job is quietened after seeing England be so in control of this break.

Finally, England sit in second in their Nations League group but almost certain to qualify for the quarter final stages. While there’s little/no pressure on winning this trophy as it’s not viewed of the calibre of other tournaments, having another chance to face world champions Spain in the group, and then matching with another top ranked side in the knockout rounds could be a great opportunity for England to continue their development and belief of playing the top sides.