Czech Republic deals England setback in Euro qualifying
England is taking the scenic route to the 2020 European Championship.
Entering Friday's match against the Czech Republic with a chance to qualify for next summer's tournament, the Three Lions succumbed to a 2-1 defeat in Prague in feeble fashion.
Czech striker Zdenek Ondrasek was unmarked in the penalty area when he slotted in the winning goal in the 85th minute.
England is now tied on 12 points with the Czechs in Group A but has a game in hand. Kosovo is still in the running for qualification with eight points.
| # | P | W | D | L | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 2 | Czech Republic | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| 3 | Kosovo | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| 4 | Montenegro | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 5 | Bulgaria | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
It's the first time England has lost a qualifier of any kind since October 2009, when it fell 1-0 to Ukraine.
Second best throughout the match, Gareth Southgate's side was unable to build on Harry Kane's early spot-kick. Raheem Sterling drew the penalty in the fourth minute when he was tripped by midfielder Lukas Masopust, and Kane sent it down the middle to give the visitors the lead.
Unlike the last time these two sides met - England won 5-0 at Wembley in March - the Czechs responded quickly. Jakub Brabec took advantage of some slack defending on a corner kick to guide the ball in.
Refusing to settle for a point, the hosts continued to attack England. Masopust forced an exceptional diving save from Jordan Pickford midway through the second half, and Alex Kral again tested the Everton goalkeeper.
The Czechs then found the decisive goal they deserved, pouncing on Pickford's sloppy ball forward before feeding Ondrasek for the uncontested finish.