England claimed their first win in the Nations League by beating the Czech Republic 2-0, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scoring. Gordon, who also scored for the second England game in a row, was the standout in the player ratings at 8. He was a constant threat in behind and delivered a dangerous first-half cross that deserved to end up with a goal before scoring the opener. Kane was rated 7; he had a quieter night, dropping deep and looking for the ball, but still got on the scoresheet with a good finish inside the area in the second half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started his first England game for nearly two years and was rated 7, having put in a great ball for the England opener. Lewis Hall and Elliot Anderson also received 7s. Hall combined well with Gordon on the left and offered a good outlet, and he should have scored in the second half. Anderson dominated midfield, kept the ball ticking and won possession back the few times the Czech Republic ventured forward. Morgan Rogers, rated 6, played Bukayo Saka through early on and hit the post twice, but was not given much room by a Czech side who defended very deep.
At the back, James Trafford was rated 6 after making a good save in the second half and showing calmness and passing range that pleased manager Thomas Tuchel. Marc Guehi, also 6, produced a reliable performance with a couple of important blocks. Trevoh Chalobah, another 6, had a shaky start, losing possession and challenges in a way that frustrated Tuchel, but settled and helped England keep a clean sheet against a 10-man Czech Republic. Myles Lewis-Skelly, rated 6, started well and was given responsibility in England’s build-up play, but was booked for a mistimed tackle and taken off at half-time.
Saka was also rated 6, with little of note in a cagey match as England laboured when breaking down the Czech defence before Gordon’s goal. Among the substitutes, Eberechi Eze added a spark to midfield after coming on at half-time and was rated 6. Jude Bellingham took the captain’s armband and led the line after replacing Kane on 70 minutes, while Alex Scott made his England debut in the same minute. Both were rated 6. Rio Ngumoha, also 6, had going forward as his first thought after coming on. Morgan Gibbs-White replaced Gordon on 81 minutes. Pickford, Steele, Konsa, Branthwaite, Garner, Calvert-Lewin and Quansah were not used.