Czechia vs England: Tuchel Plays Down "Must-Win" Talk as Alexander-Arnold Set to Start in Prague
England visit Prague after their Wembley defeat to Spain, with Tuchel insisting it is too early for a must-win game and injuries shaping his defence.
England face Czechia at the Fortuna Arena in Prague on Tuesday night looking for their first points of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League, but Thomas Tuchel is refusing to call it a must-win game.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm UK time, which is 2.45am on Wednesday, 30 September, in Malaysia.
Both sides lost their openers
England were beaten 3-2 by world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Czechia also lost, 2-1 to Croatia, in their first match under new coach Santi Denia.
That means both sides start Matchday 2 on zero points in Group A3, which also includes Spain and Croatia. Those two meet on the same night.
Tuchel: "a bit early for must-win"
Speaking before the trip, Tuchel said "it's a bit early for must-win", according to beIN Sports. He added that England always prepare with a target to win, but pointed out that a slip in Prague would not be decisive with Croatia and a second meeting with Spain still to come.
The bigger worry is the defence. According to beIN Sports, England have conceded 13 goals in their last six matches, close to double their rate early in Tuchel's time in charge.
England team news
Sports Illustrated reports that Tuchel has confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold will start at right-back, because of injuries to Tino Livramento, Ben White and Reece James.
- Out of the squad: Declan Rice and Cole Palmer withdrew; Morgan Gibbs-White was called up.
- Doubts: Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly both missed training with what Tuchel described as minor issues.
Czechia team news
Czechia have their own absentees. David Zima, David Jurásek and Tomáš Chorý have withdrawn, according to Sports Illustrated, and Patrik Schick has retired from international football. That puts Adam Hložek at the centre of the attack, with goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček, recently signed by Newcastle United, expected to start.
Tuchel described Czechia as a well-organised side, pointing to their flexible midfield and attacking full-backs.
Head-to-head
England have the upper hand historically, with Sports Illustrated counting six wins, two draws and one defeat in nine meetings between the sides.
Why it matters
A second defeat would leave England well behind Spain after only two games, even with Tuchel's point that there is time to recover. For Czechia, a first win under Denia would be a strong start to his tenure against one of the group's heavyweights.
Group A3 continues in the October window, with matches between 1 and 6 October.
Key takeaways
- England play Czechia in Prague on Tuesday, 29 September (2.45am Wednesday in Malaysia).
- Both teams lost their opening Group A3 games, to Spain and Croatia respectively.
- Tuchel says it is too early to call it a must-win match.
- Alexander-Arnold starts at right-back; Konsa and O'Reilly are doubts; Rice and Palmer are out of the squad.
FAQ
What time is Czechia vs England in Malaysia? The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time on Tuesday, which is 2.45am on Wednesday, 30 September, in Malaysia.
Why is Alexander-Arnold starting for England? Tuchel confirmed he will start at right-back because Tino Livramento, Ben White and Reece James are injured.
Who else is in England's Nations League group? Spain, Croatia and Czechia are in Group A3 with England.
Sources: beIN Sports, Sports Illustrated, UEFA