England 5-0 Czech Republic: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#3 the Czech Republic can go out with their heads held high

Tough night for the Czechs

Some might chuckle at the proposition of a team going out with their head held high after losing from a five-goal margin. For those, stay with me, let me explain.

England were always technically brilliant, had more incision, pace, creativity in their team to get the better of the Czech. However, at closer inspection, you would observe that the Czech Republic weren’t as bad as the scoreline suggests.

The penalty awarded for the second goal was a dubious decision, to say the least, while a kind ricochet meant that the ball landed in Sterling’s feet for the third. The fourth goal came courtesy of a huge deflection while the fifth was an unlucky own goal.

This in no way demeans England’s performance as they were brilliant, forced the issue and thus reaped its rewards. However, the Czechs played well, created some chances and were done by some unlucky moments, close calls and shoddy defending.