England will be hoping for an improved performance following their 0-0 draw against Scotland on Friday evening when they take on the Czech Republic at Wembley.
Gareth Southgate’s side underwhelmed in their penultimate Group D match, but their Euros fate still remains firmly in their grasp.
Despite a missed opportunity to secure their place in the round of 16 against the Scots, victory against Jaroslav Šilhavý’s side will see the Three Lions top the group with seven points.
England have already been guaranteed a spot in the next round due to other results this week, but finishing top of the pile and gaining some momentum would pay dividends ahead of the knockouts.
However, the Czech’s will come to Wembley full of confidence following their 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park.
The in-form Patrick Schick added to his two goals against Scotland with a first-half penalty following a dubious VAR call, involving himself and former Liverpool defender, Dejan Lovren.
A draw between the two sides would see England finish second due to the superior goal difference possessed by the Czech’s, but that could end up working in England’s favour as they progress to the last 16.
If England were to win Group D, they would play the second-placed team from Group F, containing the likes of France, Germany, and Portugal.
Germany currently occupies second place but either of the four teams, including Hungary, could still finish in the spot that would set up a 5pm clash at Wembley on Tuesday 29th June.
Do you think England will finish top of the group? Let us know in the comments below.
However, if England were to draw and finish second, it would set up an arguably easier match against the runner-up of Group E, which is still yet to be decided.
Either one of Sweden, Spain, Poland, or Slovakia could still finish second in Group E, with the former currently topping the group ahead of the final round of games.
In terms of team news, Southgate confirmed that England captain Harry Kane would start the game against Czech Republic, despite not registering a shot on target in their opening two group matches and being substituted during both.
With Phil Foden facing a suspension if he is booked, Southgate may be tempted to drop the Manchester City youngster and replace him with either Jadon Sancho or Jack Grealish.
The country has been crying out for Southgate to utilise the Borussia Dortmund star and Aston Villa captain, with Sancho yet to play a minute of football at the Euros.
Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell may also be sidelined after being forced to self-isolate after coming into close contact with Chelsea teammate Billy Gilmour of Scotland, who has since tested positive for Covid-19.
In defence, successive clean sheets mean both Tyrone Mings and John Stones could continue at centre-back, while Harry Maguire is closing in on a return to the starting XI.
The Czech’s have no new injury problems and are expected to keep the same 11 that played against Croatia, with midfielder Tomas Soucek likely to face off against West Ham teammate, Declan Rice.
How to watch Czech Republic v England?
The match will kick-off at 8pm on Tuesday June 22 with coverage starting at 7:00pm on ITV.
Mark Pougatch will be joined by Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Ian Wright, Reshmin Chowdhury, Ashley Cole and Andros Townsend with matchday analysis, with Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon on commentary duties.
The fixture will also be available to stream via the ITV Hub.
Odds
Czech Republic - 7/1
Draw - 14/5
England - 13/25
Harry Kane to score and England to win 2-0 – 11/1
*Odds are supplied by Grosvenor Sports and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
