Gordon leads England to a much-needed Nations League victory

England recovered from a nervy opening to beat the Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague and get their Nations League campaign up and running. Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock shortly after half-time before captain Harry Kane added a second in the 69th minute.

The hosts’ task became harder in the 25th minute when Pavel Sulc was dismissed following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge on Elliot Anderson. England had struggled before the red card, with Sulc having wasted two promising chances, but the numerical advantage eventually allowed Thomas Tuchel’s side to take control.

Gordon continues to grow in importance

Gordon was England’s most consistent attacking threat. Operating in behind the Czech defence, he delivered a dangerous first-half cross and repeatedly linked with Lewis Hall on the left. Less than two minutes after the restart, he stooped to turn Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inviting cross into the net.

The goal was Gordon’s third in a row in competitive internationals and earned him an 8/10 rating from BBC Sport. The report said he “continues to show why he is becoming so important for the Three Lions”.

Hall also went close to scoring when his low delivery was deflected onto the post by Ladislav Krejci. Morgan Rogers struck the post earlier in the match and later helped create England’s second goal, with a deflection off Krejci presenting Kane with the chance to sweep home his 87th international goal.

Tuchel’s changes settle England

England’s first-half performance was passive and uncertain despite the Czech Republic being reduced to 10 men. Eberechi Eze came on at the interval for Myles Lewis-Skelly and added energy to midfield, helping England make better use of their extra player.

Elliot Anderson was rated 7/10 by BBC Sport after dominating midfield, keeping possession moving and winning the ball back. Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first England start in almost two years, also received a 7 after supplying the cross for Gordon’s opener.

Tuchel was then able to give Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha their competitive England debuts. Scott came close to scoring, while England also threatened through Rogers and Eze before seeing out a comfortable finish.

BBC Sport’s ratings placed Gordon at the top with 8, followed by Kane, Alexander-Arnold, Hall and Anderson on 7. The victory gives England a positive platform after a difficult opening phase and underlines Gordon’s increasing influence in Tuchel’s team.