England secured their first Nations League win of the campaign with a 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague on Tuesday.
The Three Lions struggled to find their rhythm early on. Czechia created several promising chances during the opening stages.
Pavel Šulc then saw a yellow card upgraded to a red following a VAR review. The referee punished his high challenge on Elliot Anderson.
The dismissal changed the game, but England still had to wait until the second half to take control.
Anthony Gordon continued his impressive run of form for the national team. He eventually opened the scoring shortly after the break.
Gordon and Alexander-Arnold combine before Kane doubles lead
Gordon put England ahead just two minutes after half-time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his first England start in two years. He delivered an excellent cross from the right, allowing Gordon to head home.
The pair had discussed the move during the half-time break. Alexander-Arnold told Gordon to attack the back post when he delivered crosses.
“I spoke to Anthony at half-time and I said if I’m getting in the half spaces and putting them [crosses] in, make sure you get to the back post,” the full-back told ITV.
“You don’t expect it to happen that quickly, but it did and it worked.”
Gordon earned the man-of-the-match award after another strong display for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The winger also praised Alexander-Arnold for his delivery.
“I make that run time and time again and only a certain type of player has got the technique, ability and bravery to make the mistake playing that pass,” Gordon told ITV.
“Credit to Trent, that’s why he’s so good. I’ve been dying to play with him for that reason.
“Trent’s had his own journey with England. He would have liked to have played more than he has, but he’s a great character. He’s a great addition.”
Harry Kane then doubled England’s lead in the 69th minute.
The captain swept the ball into the far corner for his 87th international goal. It also marked his ninth goal for England in 2026.
Tuchel: ‘It was a deserved victory’
Thomas Tuchel was pleased with England’s improvement after the break.
“We played very professionally in the second half. We stepped up, we needed to be a bit more dynamic and put a bit more urgency into our play,” Tuchel said on ITV.
“We kept the intensity going and it was very professional. The effort was still there, it was a deserved victory.
“It’s a bit strange to get an early red card. It’s not the best for the spectators or the teams.
“But we got an important win, and that’s what counts.”
The result gives England three important points in the Nations League.
England will now prepare for their next match against Croatia away from home on October 3.
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