Audio By Carbonatix
England must wait to confirm their place in Euro 2020 after the Czech Republic deservedly ended their 43-game unbeaten run in qualifiers stretching back 10 years.
Gareth Southgate's side would have secured their place in next summer's tournament with victory in Prague but they can have no complaints after a wretched display against a Czech side who were a different proposition from that swept aside 5-0 at Wembley in March.
England were handed the perfect start when captain Harry Kane put them ahead from the penalty spot in the fifth minute after Lukas Masopust fouled Raheem Sterling but they were well below their best and slumped to a bitterly disappointing defeat.
The Czechs were swiftly level when Jakub Brabec scored following a corner. England could not muster further inspiration and substitute Zdenek Ondrasek pounced to score the winner with four minutes left.
England were desperately poor throughout and were grateful to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who produced fine saves from Vladimir Coufal, Masopust and Alex Kral, while Czech counterpart Tomas Vaclik did well to deny Sterling and Kane.
They can put things right against Bulgaria in Sofia on Monday but this was a serious reality check for a side hoping to do great things next summer, losing a qualifier for the first time since they went down 1-0 to Ukraine on 10 October 2009.
Latest Stories
-
Ablekuma West NPP Constituency executive elections postponed indefinitely over register dispute
3 minutes -
Otumfuo destools Kenyase II Manhene after 89-year reign
8 minutes -
Partisan politics, religion and tradition shouldn’t divide us – Interior Minister to Ghanaians
12 minutes -
MoFA signs deal to establish organic fertiliser plant in Ghana
17 minutes -
We are not seeking Mahama’s third term – Ken Kuranchie separates case from 2028 politics
18 minutes -
Several reportedly dead after vehicle rams pedestrians at Bukom Junction
22 minutes -
Constitution has a genuine ambiguity – Ken Kuranchie opens fresh debate on Mahama’s third term eligibility
25 minutes -
Wontumi apologises to Mahama, seeks Presidential clemency
25 minutes -
Gov’t plans new teacher university to transform education training
32 minutes -
Upper East Regional Hospital celebrates renal patient recovery
37 minutes -
US donates $4m military equipment to Ghana Armed Forces
42 minutes -
Civil servants urged to prioritise discipline, improve service delivery
47 minutes -
Banking sector records strong growth in first half of 2026
52 minutes -
NDPC hosts workshop to develop Ghana’s Human Capital Strategy
57 minutes -
CSIR urges climate-smart farming to reduce flood losses
1 hour