England will host Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, June 22, for their final EURO 2020 group match. Both teams are already guaranteed a promotion into the next stage, which should relieve some pressure, however, knowing how important it is to keep the momentum going into the knockout stage, neither will want to lose.
Czech Republic vs England
When: Tuesday, June 22 – 20:00 BTS
Where: Wembley Stadium in London, UK
Weather: Partly Sunny, 15°C
Referee: Artur Soares Dias (POR)
England enter this final EURO 2020 group match after a disappointing showing against Scotland and will want to improve the impression before they get crucified by their supporters. On a more positive note, England are already qualified, so they can at least play without any pressure.
Czech Republic will make it into the next stage of the tournament as a top-two seeded team from Group D after a 2-0 victory against the Scots and a 1-1 draw with Croatia. However, they have yet to show their worth against Group D top dogs.
England Need a Win
Although a win tonight won’t change much in a greater picture, the Three Lions surely won’t be satisfied with a draw, let alone a defeat. The expectations put on Gareth Southgate’s men to perform this tournament is massive, and even though they’re through to the next round, another early knockout stage exit won’t cut it.
And it’s not like England lack talent. They have a talented team capable of competing for high placements, even though that wasn’t as obvious in their underwhelming draw with Scotland.
Harry Maguire could return for tonight’s match, adding a bit more talent to England, although you can’t really complain about Tyrone Mings and his performances thus far. Outside of that, Southgate might want to make a few changes, namely by adding players in the midfield, who can supply the ball to England’s talisman Harry Kane.
Lack of chances in the front was also England’s biggest weakness in this tournament. With the talent they have, that’s unacceptable and is bound to get fixed sooner or later. The talent and options are there; Southgate now needs to find a way to put the pieces together.
Czech Republic Can Be Happy With Their Performances
Czech Republic are guaranteed promotion into the EURO 2020 knockout stage. It will mark the first time since EURO 2012 that the Czech will make it out of groups at an international tournament.
They have since crashed out of EURO 2016 in groups and haven’t appeared at World Cup since 2006. The morale in the team should be at an all-time high, however, it’s the lack of talent (relative to England) that is concerning.
Much of Locomotive’s success at EURO 2020 is due to the phenomenal performances of their striker Patrik Schick, who is tied with Cristiano Ronaldo as the top goalscorer of the tournament with three goals to his name. The 25-year-old is also Czech’s only goalscorer at EURO 2020.
This puts a huge target on his back, as England will want to stop him from causing chaos in their backline. Stopping Schick will obviously be England defenders’ main priority, which brings up the question of who can the Locomotive can count on to produce goals in London?
Czech Republic vs England Betting Picks
As good as the Czech Republic have been, it’s hard to find a solid argument to favor them over the Three Lions. The hosts need to win today, not necessarily because they need points, but primarily to improve the impression they left against Scotland.
Losing tonight isn’t an option for Southgate’s men, as such a result will be a huge blow to their morale, and that’s not something they can afford ahead of the knockout stage. Despite their slip-up last time out, England are simply too good not to win here.
Prediction: England -1.00 Asian Handicap – 1.98 at SBOBET
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