Czech Republic 2-1 England: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | European Qualifiers 2019/20

#2 The hosts’ substitutions inspire; the visitors’ perplex

Gareth Southgate made some questionable substitutions

After a breathless first half, both teams were content to spar at the beginning of the second period. Hence, the game proceeded a tad slowly before the hosts started controlling proceedings.

However, as the match wore on, the managers were tasked with shuffling their pack and coming up with suitable alternatives to the tricks they had earlier deployed. And, while one manager distinguished himself, the other didn’t particularly cover himself in glory.

Mount and Sancho weren’t at their best on Friday and were deservedly replaced after the hour mark. However, the choice of substitutes by Southgate left several fans with more than a furrowed brow.

The manager opted for Marcus Rashford, a striker who’s been in wretched form over Tammy Abraham, a forward who’s perhaps the most in-form marksman in the Premier League.

In his time on the pitch, the Manchester United man failed to leave a substantial imprint on the game, thereby making several question the rationale behind his introduction. Southgate though did give Tammy the nod in the 88th minute. However, the Three Lions were already staring down the barrel by then.

In stark contrast, the Czechs’ substitute, Ondrasek, caused a nuisance in the attacking third and also, popped up with the winner. Moreover, the FC Dallas player’s inclusion enabled the hosts to continue with their high-octane, high-energy brand of football.

Thus, through the course of the game, the Czech Republic had swung the tie in their favour courtesy their mid-game changes whereas England were left ruing what could’ve been.