Tuchel: England ready for difficult Czechia test

Thomas Tuchel believes England will come up against “difficult” opponents when they take on Czechia in the Nations League on Tuesday evening.

The Three Lions, who began their campaign with a narrow 3-2 defeat to world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, are now in Prague for the first of two games against Santi Denia’s side in eight days.

Tuchel was pleased with much of his side’s performance against the World Cup winners, but he expects a different type of challenge at the Fortuna Arena.

Speaking at the stadium in his pre-match press conference on Monday night, Tuchel said: “We expect a difficult one [match]. They were very organised against Croatia.

"We need to be ready. That's how it always is."

Asked whether the game was a must-win following Saturday's loss to Spain, the head coach added: "It's a bit early for must-win. I know what you mean but it is a bit early in the group for a must-win.

"We always arrive and prepare the team with a target to win. It was the target against Spain and it is the same tomorrow.

"We respect the quality and the challenge it brings. You play in Prague against Czechia, it is difficult. There will be support for the home team.

"We always prepare for the win, we want the win. It is too early to speak for a must. It would be ideal.

"The problem is the opponent on the other side."

Discussing the type of game he expects against Czechia, who began their own Nations League campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Croatia, Tuchel added: “We only analysed one game from the Czech team, as they have a new coach.

"We saw a flexible midfield of three. A lot of changes in position. Wingers attacking full-backs and a team that was well organised.

"Full of motivation to take their chance, that is what we saw."

Tuchel refused to rule Nico O’Reilly and Ezri Konsa out of Tuesday night’s fixture after the pair both missed training with minor injuries in the build-up and admitted he’d like to continue with the same starting XI from Saturday’s game with Spain.

Asked if the defensive duo would be fit, Tuchel said: "I am not sure yet [will they play]. They missed training because of minor issues but they are still issues.

"They need to be assessed and we will see tomorrow morning.

"We had a very good training session, we kept them going. Everyone you saw on the pitch was in good spirits and good quality.

"Ideally, I would love to put the same team out there but I need to speak to doctors, physios and the players to see what is responsible.

"Let's see for tomorrow. My mindset before the camp was not to rotate too much. We will be considerate of the health of the players."