Harry Kane said England “did what we had to” after securing their first Nations League victory of the season with a 2-0 win against 10-man Czechia at Fortuna Arena.
The result followed England’s disappointing defeat by Spain in their previous match and eased the pressure on Thomas Tuchel’s side, despite the manager insisting before kick-off that the fixture was not a “must-win”.
Czechia were reduced to 10 men after Pavel Sulc was dismissed in the 25th minute for a late challenge on Elliot Anderson. England eventually made their numerical advantage count after the break, with Anthony Gordon and Kane scoring in the same match for the second consecutive game.
Kane has now scored four goals in six Nations League appearances since the beginning of the 2024-25 edition.
“Job done, it was a professional performance,” Kane told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It wasn’t the most exciting game of football, but we did what we had to. Won the game, good clean sheet, and we take it into the next one.
“When a team who likes to defend get a man sent off, it becomes even tougher. You have to be patient. Against 10 you have to move it quickly, and as they tire, the spaces will open up.”
Gordon opened the scoring and continued his strong recent run for England. The forward has recorded four goals and four assists in his past nine international appearances.
He is also the second Barcelona player to score in successive appearances for England, following Gary Lineker in 1989.
“He’s showing that he belongs at the highest level, for Barcelona and England,” Kane said of Gordon, who recorded a team-high four shots and created four chances.
“His performances in the last couple of games have been some of his best that he has played in an England shirt, and I think he is just relishing putting the shirt on and being one of the main men in the team.
“He is an important player for us, and he showed that during the World Cup.”
England had conceded 13 goals in their previous six matches, making the clean sheet a significant part of their response.
They face Croatia next in Group A3. Croatia also have three points after following up their victory with a 4-1 defeat by Spain on Tuesday.
Tuchel would not confirm whether he would make changes for the next match, with England having three days to prepare rather than two.
“We decided not to travel back to England but to stay in Prague one more night, get some good rest, and then travel to Croatia and have two training sessions there,” he said.
“We will push everyone to be available, even Nico O’Reilly and Ezri Konsa, hopefully and then we know more. The next match is important for us against a direct opponent, and we want to win.”
Tuchel added that England’s second-half display deserved credit.
“We stepped up in urgency, bit of quicker play and better ball speed. We deserved to win the second half,” he said.
“With the red card, we became heavy, heavy favourites. A clean sheet is always important; it gives everyone a good feeling. Always things to improve, but overall a serious performance and a deserved win.”
