England strengthened their position in the Nations League with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday, with Harry Kane scoring twice as the Three Lions secured a second win over the same opponents in a matter of days.
England had already beaten Czech Republic 2-0 away from home and produced another controlled performance in the fourth round of the competition. They dominated possession for long periods, applied sustained pressure and created enough openings to win without being forced to work at full intensity.
Czech Republic struggled to impose any kind of attacking threat and spent much of the match defending in and around their own penalty area. England’s control of the ball and consistent movement in the final third repeatedly tested the visitors’ defence.
The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute when Kane sent a cross into the penalty area. Vladimir Coufal attempted to deal with the delivery but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
England continued to press after going ahead and doubled their advantage shortly before half-time. Morgan Rogers delivered a precise low cross in the 40th minute and Kane completed the move with a first-time finish.
The pattern remained unchanged after the interval, with England retaining control while Czech Republic again failed to create a genuine opening in front of goal.
Kane completed his double in the 75th minute. The England captain rose to meet a cross from Lewis Hall and powered a header into the net to make it 3-0 and effectively settle the contest.
The result takes England to nine points, leaving them second in the group behind leaders Spain, who have a perfect 12 points. Czech Republic, meanwhile, have lost all four of their matches and remain without a point.
Spain have secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. England are also effectively through, having opened up a six-point gap over third-placed Croatia with two group matches still to play.
England also hold the head-to-head advantage over Croatia after their 7-0 victory against them.