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Simon Duke

Piers Morgan claims it's 'vitally important' that England lose against Czech Republic

Piers Morgan has sparked controversy by suggesting it's 'vitally important' that England lose their match against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

The Three Lions go into their final group game with the knowledge that they're already through to the knockout stages, due to results in the other groups on Monday.

With one eye on the last 16, many England fans have started to speculate on who they might play depending on where they finish in the final Group D standings.

England v Czech Republic LIVE build up and reaction

A win would seen them having to face opposition the second place team in Group F- currently Germany, but could end up being France, Portugal or Hungary too; while if they finish second, their opponents look set to be either Sweden or Slovakia from Group E, which on paper seems like an easier prospect.

If they finish second, Spain and Poland could also potentially lie in wait, depending on how things finish in Group E.

With all of that mind, ex Good Morning Britain host Piers has said England must lose against Czech Republic on Tuesday, tweeting: "It’s vitally important that England lose badly tonight. We’ll get a much easier L16 opponent if we do."

Piers' post came up against plenty of opposition, with one reply coming from commentator Mark Pougatch, who responded: "If England don’t win tonight then it could well be Spain (definitely without Mount/Chilwell) and low in confidence followed by France on neutral territory.

"If they win, they’re upbeat, Mount is available and it’s at Wembley... not sure I agree with you on this one!"

Confusion as England match to air on ITV and ITV2 at same time (Getty Images)

But, standing form on his opinion, Piers' quoted Mark's tweet and added: "If we win, we'll likely play Germany.... and on our mutual current form, go out."

Others to have their say on the 'right result' for England tonight include former striker Michael Owen, who tweeted: "It’s just not possible to go out onto a pitch and not try to win.

"But, if after an hour or so the score is level, then playing for a draw has to enter calculations. Why wouldn’t you make life easier for yourself in that situation?"

Taking a completely difference stance, England legend and BBC football host Gary Lineker posted: "Lot of rubbish about whether @England better off losing for easier last 16 game. You play to win every game. Winning gives confidence.

"If you’re scared of playing France/Germany you’ve got no chance of winning the tournament anyway. Let’s stop being so bloody cautious. Attack!"

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