Football NewsEuro 2020: Czech Republic Vs England – Match preview
Post image

A draw in Group D’s other finale (Croatia v Scotland) would see these sides lock out the top two regardless, but the group winner has the advantage of staying in London for the last 16.

Czech Republic

With four Euro 2020 points to date, the Czech Republic need only a draw here at Wembley to progress as group winners and do so for the third time in five Euro final appearances. A draw in Group D’s other finale (Croatia v Scotland) would see these sides lock out the top two regardless, but the group winner has the advantage of staying in London for the last 16. The Czechs’ 1-1 result vs Croatia on matchday two marked the first competitive occasion since June 2017 to see them drop points after enjoying an HT lead. Yet, they may see the 31st-45th minute segment as potential ‘insurance’ against a repeat after averaging one goal per match in that period across their last four games won/drawn in all competitions.

England

Should they win here, England will steal the top spot in Group D and add to a marginally positive ‘matchday three’ record going back to Euro 1980. The prospect of home advantage in the last 16 should inspire England, though they may have to wait for any reward, as their last two ‘matchday three’ Euro games yielded a 0-0 HT scoreline. Indeed, a third goalless first half in three England matches in this tournament would correlate with an impressive pre-Euro 2020 record. Over two-thirds (47) of 68 ‘matchday three’ Euro group stage fixtures played between 1980 and 2016 produced under 1.5 total first-half goals.

 

After being the first goalscorer vs both Scotland (42’) and Croatia (37’), Patrik Schick could become the first Czech to net in every group game at a Euro finals since Milan Baroš in 2004. However, Raheem Sterling memorably scored a hat-trick for England in the last H2H here, including a 61st-75th minute brace.

 

Going back to 1992, England are unbeaten in first halves across their last six ‘matchday three’ Euro fixtures.