Euro 2020: Czech Republic ($8) vs England ($1.50) – 23rd June @5am
England will take on the Czech Republic to decide who will finish top of Group D at 5am on Wednesday morning.
Gareth Southgate and his England team are under intense pressure after a less than impressive 0-0 draw against Scotland last match.
The Three Lions have been criticised for a lack of creativity, scoring only one goal so far in the tournament, coming from their 1-0 win over Croatia in their Euro 2020 opening game.
Captain Harry Kane’s form has also come under scrutiny after his two underwhelming performances at Euro 2020 so far. The Tottenham talisman does not appear to be fit, despite starting both matches.
Prior to the tournament, detractors of Southgate questioned his tactical creativity, despite having an embarrassment of attacking riches at his disposal.
If the England manager wants to finish top of Group D, he might look to loosen the reins against the Czechs and start Aston Villa attacker Jack Grealish, who has had limited game time at the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic have made an impressive start to their Euro 2020 campaign after beating Scotland 2-0 in their opening fixture, before playing a 1-1 stalemate with Croatia.
Striker Patrik Schick scored what could be the goal of the tournament against Scotland, where he lobbed goalkeeper David Marshall from near halfway. He scored twice against the Scots and then followed up by converting from the penalty spot against Croatia.
Southgate has maintained that he will stick with striker Harry Kane despite the England captain not registering a shot on target at Euro 2020, saying: “He is fundamental not only to the goals he scores but the build-up play and everything else he brings.”
Phil Foden may be dropped given his indifferent performances and make way for Grealish. While Jadon Sancho, who has not yet featured for Southgate, could be selected in the match day squad.
Players to Watch
Tomas Soucek: In a game where the Czechs will be looking to keep things tight, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek will play a pivotal role in holding his team’s shape and breaking up England’s attacks. He will be coming up against his club teammate Declan Rice, which makes for a fascinating battle in midfield.
Jack Grealish: There are suggestions that Grealish will get the nod ahead of Foden in a bid to rejuvenate a blunt England front three. Grealish has looked the most threatening England player in his limited minutes at Euro 2020. Many have called for him to start in the previous two games. This might be the match where Grealish gets the chance to shine and ignite England’s tournament.
Key Stats
- England have only scored three goals in their last four matches
- The Czech Republic have only kept one clean sheet in their last seven matches
Best Bets
To Win To Nil: England ($2.20)
Win Both Halves: England ($4)
