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

#1 England’s old ailments plague them, yet again

England's old deficiencies resurfaced in Prague

At last year’s World Cup, England exceeded expectations and reached the semi-finals. Consequently, Southgate was looked upon as the manager to bring back the glory days for the football fanatic nation. The Three Lions, post the competition, started promisingly too as they emerged from their UEFA Nations League group.

However, all of that optimism fizzled away on a tough and trying night in Prague, where the Three Lions were completely outplayed and had to leave with their tail between their legs.

Akin to many a time before, England failed to stamp their authority on an encounter where the opposition was willing to keep the ball for long periods and methodically prize out openings.

More worryingly though, the visitors failed to adopt a different mechanism when the Czech Republic started cutting off passing options and pressing the former high up the pitch. And, though there were the odd moments of magic, they were far and few between.

Moreover, the away side looked clueless defending set-pieces, meaning that the above became the hosts’ most potent attacking weapon, at least in the first half.

Over the past few years, England have earned an infamous reputation of being flat-track bullies and a side that explodes in the qualifying phases before imploding.

Unfortunately for them though, those accusations rang quite loud on Friday, especially considering the Czech Republic outclassed England, let alone get the better of them.