England secured a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague on Sunday, though the performance did little to ease concerns about Thomas Tuchel's side ahead of a crucial run of Nations League fixtures.
The visitors needed a professional display at the Fortuna Arena, a venue that had haunted them since a 2019 defeat there remained their only loss in World Cup or European Championship qualifiers over the past 17 years. Instead, they were made to work hard against a stubborn Czech side that sat deep and looked to disrupt England's rhythm.
The contest shifted on 25 minutes when Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc was sent off for a reckless, studs-up challenge on Elliot Anderson. Yet the dismissal barely altered the flow of a first half that was sluggish and short on ideas from England, despite hitting the woodwork on either side of the interval.
Things improved after the break as the Czechs began to tire and England found extra energy, even if it never translated into total control. The breakthrough arrived just under two minutes into the second half when Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first start at right-back for England in two years, intercepted a stray Czech pass before spinning away and delivering a teasing cross. Anthony Gordon met it with a clever header to put England ahead.
Gordon, who has become one of Barcelona's standout performers since his move there, was widely regarded as England's best player on the night. He had been the only England player willing to take risks during a subdued first half and continued to combine well with left-back Lewis Hall, his former Newcastle United teammate. The pair nearly combined for a second goal when a give-and-go sent Hall clear, only for his effort to roll just wide of the post.
Reflecting on his connection with Alexander-Arnold, Gordon said he had been