Prague hosts a meeting of two sides looking to steady themselves early in the 2026/27 Nations League. England travel to the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday after opening Group 3 with defeat to Spain, while the Czech Republic return home after losing 2-1 to Croatia.
Thomas Tuchel’s England arrive with a response to find, but the coach has resisted framing the second group match as a must-win occasion. His side were beaten in their first outing and now face a Czech team beginning a wider rebuild under new management.
Quick facts
- Match: Czech Republic v England, Nations League Group 3
- Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
- Kick-off: 15:45 Brasília time
- Venue: Fortuna Arena, Prague
- England coach: Thomas Tuchel
- Czech Republic coach: Santi Denia
Tuchel said it was too soon to declare that only a victory would do, although he made clear that England must pursue the result wherever they play after a loss. The visitors are expected to line up with James Trafford in goal, behind Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marc Guehi, Jarrad Branthwaite and Lewis Hall.
Anderson, Scott and Jude Bellingham are set to form the midfield, with Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane in the projected front line.
Across the city, Santi Denia is taking charge of his second competitive fixture with the Czech national side. The Spaniard was appointed after the team’s group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first foreign coach in the country’s history.
Denia brings a strong record from Spain’s youth teams: European titles at under-17 and under-19 level, a runners-up finish at the Under-21 European Championship and Olympic gold at Paris 2024. His only prior senior-club role was with Qatar’s Al Shahaniya in 2025.
His task in Prague is complicated by the departures of several World Cup-era internationals. Forward Patrik Schick, attacking midfielder Vaclav Cerny and defender Tomas Holes have retired from international football, while captain Tomas Soucek is unavailable through injury.
The likely Czech selection has Lukas Hornicek in goal; Vladimir Coufal, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek and Jaroslav Slama in defence; Michal Sadilek and Lukas Cerv in midfield; and Adam Karabec, Lukas Ambros, Pavel Sulc and Adam Hlozek further forward.
Both teams begin the night without a point, making Prague an early test of recovery rather than a final verdict on either campaign. England seek an away answer after Spain, and the hosts have the chance to give Denia’s new cycle its first lift in front of their own support.
