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Gordon and Kane Fire England to First Nations League Victory Over Czech Republic
Premier League

Gordon and Kane Fire England to First Nations League Victory Over Czech Republic

45 minutes ago·2 min

England claimed their first Nations League victory of the campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, courtesy of goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. Here is how BBC Sport's Alex Howell assessed each player's contribution on the night.

Goalkeeper and defence

James Trafford earned a rating of 6. The goalkeeper produced a solid save in the second half and impressed manager Thomas Tuchel with his composure on the ball and his willingness to play out from the back.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was handed a 7. Making his first England appearance in almost two years, he had little to do defensively but delivered the precise ball that led to the opening goal.

Trevoh Chalobah also received a 6. The centre-back had a shaky opening — losing possession on a few occasions and struggling in aerial duels, which frustrated Tuchel — but he settled into the game and helped preserve the clean sheet against a ten-man Czech Republic.

Marc Guehi earned a 6 for another dependable display. With England rarely threatened, Guehi still contributed a couple of timely blocks to maintain the shutout.

Lewis Hall was awarded a 7. The left-back built an effective partnership with Gordon down the left flank, provided a reliable outlet, and was unlucky not to score in the second half.

Midfield

Elliot Anderson picked up a 7 for a mature, commanding performance in midfield. He kept the ball moving, dominated possession, and recovered it quickly on the rare occasions the Czech Republic pressed forward.

Myles Lewis-Skelly received a 6. He began promisingly and played a key role in England's build-up play, but a mistimed tackle earned him a booking and he was withdrawn at half-time.

Morgan Rogers also scored a 6. He played Bukayo Saka in early with a sharp pass and struck the woodwork twice, though he was given little space by a Czech side that defended in a deep block.

Attack

Bukayo Saka was rated 6. He found it difficult to make a significant impact as England struggled to break down a disciplined Czech defensive shape before Gordon broke the deadlock.

Anthony Gordon was the standout performer, earning an 8. A persistent danger in behind the defensive line, he delivered a threatening cross in the first half and then converted the opening goal — further cementing his growing importance to the Three Lions.

Harry Kane earned a 7 for a quieter but still productive night. The England captain dropped deep throughout in search of the ball, and his composed finish inside the penalty area in the second half sealed the victory.

Substitutes

Eberechi Eze (on 46', for Lewis-Skelly) injected energy into midfield and earned a 6. Jude Bellingham (on 70', for Kane) took the captain's armband and led the line, also rated 6. Alex Scott (on 70', for Anderson) marked his England debut with a 6. Rio Ngumoha (on 71', for Saka) showed ambition going forward and received a 6.

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