Czech Republic vs England: Euro 2020 team news and prediction

 

Group D comes to a head tonight as Czech Republic take on England and Croatia and Scotland face off at Hampden. With a potential meeting with one of France, Germany or Portugal in the last-16, it remains to be seen whether topping the group is so worthwhile... 

 

Ahead of the meeting between the former duo, we provide all the vital pre-match information, including where to watch the match, what time it kicks off, key team news and probable XIs.

 

 

When is kick off?       

Tuesday 22nd June, 20:00 GMT       

Where is the match?       

Wembley, London (England) 

What TV channel is it on?    

 ITV / ITV2 

 

What's at stake? 

 

Both Czech Republic and England have already qualified for the last-16 stage at Euro 2020 and the issue left to resolve is where either side finishes in Group D. Secure top spot, and you play the runner up from Group F, commonly referred to as the Group of Death, which could be France, Germany or Portugal. In contrast, the runner up from Group D will play the runner up in Group E, which could prove to be Spain, while England could ultimately finish third if they lose and the result between Croatia and Scotland goes against them. That could pit the Three Lions against either Netherlands of Belgium, so it's no easy path to the quarter-finals. 

 

Team News 

 

Czech Republic have a settled squad with no injury or suspension issues of note. Patrik Schick has scored all three goals for Jaroslav Silhavy's side at Euro 2020 and is their dangerman England need to be wary of. Silhavy does have a selection dilemma in the middle of the park as he must decide between Alex Kral or Tomas Holes who starts alongside Tomas Soucek in the middle of the park. 

 

Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount have been forced to self isolate after coming into close contact with Scotland's Billy Gilmour, who has tested positive for COVID-19. The latter's absence is a blow for the Three Lions. Harry Maguire looks set to make his first appearance of Euro 2020 after his recovery from injury. Bukayo Saka, Jordan Henderson and Jadon Sancho are looking to register their first minutes of the competition, while Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford are seeking to make their first start. 

 

Probable XIs

 

Czech Republic vs England: Euro 2020 team news and prediction

 

 

Czech Republic (4231) - Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Boril; Soucek, Holes; Masopust, Darida, Jantko; Schick 

 

England (4231) - Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Henderson; Sancho, Grealish, Rashford; Kane

 

Key Battle: Patrik Schick vs Harry Kane

 

Czech Republic vs England: Euro 2020 team news and prediction

 

Patrik Schick endured a so-so campaign for Bayer Leverkusen, netting just nine times for the Bundesliga side last season. However, the Czech star has been a revelation at Euro 2020, netting all three goals for the national team this summer, including a goal of the tournament contender against Scotland. The 25-year-old is the player England's defence need to keep a close eye on tonight.

 

It's been the complete opposite for Harry Kane in an England shirt. After a superb season with Tottenham, the Three Lions skipper has been poor for Gareth Southgate's side, registering a WhoScored rating of just 6.23 and mustering just three shots against Croatia and Scotland, none of which were on target. Surely it's only a matter of time before Kane gets up and running this summer...

 

Score Prediction: Czech Republic 1-1 England

Czech Republic vs England: Euro 2020 team news and prediction