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England fight for top spot with Czech


Bangladeshpost
Published : 21 Jun 2021 09:47 PM

Agencies 

Euro 2020 surprise package the Czech Republic and England - blowing hot and cold - will vie to qualify from Group D as winners when they do battle at Wembley on Tuesday night.

Both teams claimed a point from their most recent encounters, as the Three Lions could not find a way past Scotland while the Czech Republic managed to hold Croatia to a 1-1 draw.

England were arguably fortunate to come away with a point in a 0-0 draw against their neighbours.

Another uninspiring performance from talisman Harry Kane did not help matters, but Scotland showed a passion and desire that was devoid in the Three Lions' side throughout the 90 minutes, and in a familiar sight, the pressure is piling on Gareth Southgate's shoulders once again.

However, England's last-16 fate remains in their own hands thanks to their opening-day victory over Croatia, and the second-placed Three Lions need only a draw to confirm their spot in the knockout stages, while a win would see them leapfrog the Czech Republic at the top. The Czech Republic have no fresh injury concerns to contend with for their final group game, as Schick recovered from his bloodied episode to net his third goal of the tournament last time out.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward is one of only two players - the other being Cristiano Ronaldo - to net a trio of goals at Euro 2020 so far, and he has been tipped by Silhavy to finish as the tournament's top goalscorer.

Alex Kral could potentially replace Tomas Holes in the middle of the park, but the Czechs otherwise have no need to fix what is not broken.

As for England, Harry Maguire was an unused substitute for the goalless draw with Scotland and should come into contention for a start here, although it would be harsh to see Tyrone Mings dropped.

Jordan Henderson could also challenge Kalvin Phillips for a spot in midfield but may be unsuccessful in that regard, while Southgate will surely ponder changes in the final third given his side's toothless performance on Friday.

Jack Grealish is a name that England fans have been crying out for and they may finally get their wish on Tuesday, although the Aston Villa man reportedly trained individually on Saturday in a bid to shake off some discomfort. Jadon Sancho has not played a single minute at the Euros but is another name in the hat for Tuesday, while Kane is not expected to be dropped despite his struggles at the tournament so far.