England Report Cards:
Three Lions Czech out top of Group D

Jack Grealish combined with Raheem Sterling before the break to secure England a 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic at Wembley.

Words and Editorial: Luke James

England’s first task of the European Championship was to top Group D, which is exactly what Gareth Southgate’s side did by defeating the Czech Republic on Tuesday evening.

Assisted by fan favourite Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling – for the second time in three matches – scored the game’s only goal, this time with a header at the back post. Bukayo Saka, a surprise inclusion in the England line-up, also dazzled – earning the Star of the Match award in the process.

Following the conclusion of play in Group F on Wednesday evening, England’s round of sixteen opponent was confirmed. The Three Lions will face Germany on home soil on 29 June, with a quarter-final match-up against Sweden or Ukraine awaiting the victor.  

Following England’s victory over the Czech Republic, Southgate indicated that he expects his youthful side to grow into the European Championship.

“There are a lot of players who are lacking a bit of match sharpness and match fitness and I am not sure there is a way round that,” the former Middlesbrough manager told reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s why the squad is going to be so important because we are going to have to bring fresh legs into the games.

“We have not been able to put that intensity of performance together but what we have done well is manage the games and see the games out and look really solid. In doing that we have to find different ways to win.”

With Southgate’s remarks in mind, The Boar Sport’s report cards for England versus the Czech Republic are as follows.

Player of the Match:

Jordan Pickford: For the second time in as many matches, Everton’s #1 earns The Boar’s player of the match award. Before the tournament (and injuries to Dean Henderson and Nick Pope), there was a conversation to be had about who should start between the pipes for England.

That conversation is now dead.

For a goalkeeper that lacks confidence when claiming crosses, Jordan Pickford has done a relatively good job for the Three Lions so far. And, as Martin Dubravka demonstrated against Spain on Wednesday, having a goalkeeper you can trust is vital.

Pickford has made every save asked of him at EURO 2020, including a fierce shot in the opening exchanges against the Czech Republic. Moreover, the former Sunderland goalkeeper’s distribution has been superb – Pickford’s pass to Jack Grealish certainly warrants praise.

A

Jack Grealish: With Mason Mount forced to self-isolate following a close encounter with Billy Gilmour, Tuesday’s game handed Jack Grealish the perfect chance to win a place in Southgate’s plans.

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In short, the Aston Villa captain’s performance versus the Czech Republic vindicated calls for his inclusion. Creative, energetic, and a constant source of free-kicks, Grealish has planted his flag in England’s midfield. It remains to be seen whether Southgate will furl it.

Bukayo Saka: Having impressed Southgate in training, Bukayo Saka was the surprise inclusion in England’s line-up versus the Czech Republic.

Intelligent in possession and energetic in the transition, one of Saka’s early dribbles played a key role in the Three Lions’ second goal of the group stage. Given his positional versatility, Saka could remain in the side for next week’s clash with Germany.

Raheem Sterling: Frustratingly, the Manchester City winger is often portrayed as only bringing pace to the table.

That prejudiced view is inaccurate.

As always, Sterling was a threat in behind the Czech defence - but his most valuable asset is the intelligence with which he moves across the field.

Watch England's goal again. Sterling's off-the-ball play is faultless.

A-

Harry Maguire: Solid on his return for the Three Lions, Harry Maguire almost certainly did enough to retain his place in the line-up for the quarter-finals.

However, sterner tests will follow. Kai Havertz's positional fluidity will keep the Manchester United captain on his toes against the Germans.

B+

John Stones: Like his central defensive partner, John Stones was dependable at the back for England.

Even in the face of the Czech Republic's press (which is more active than those of Scotland or Croatia), the City defender used the ball well.

Luke Shaw: Although England's full-backs are yet to burst onto the scene at EURO 2020, Luke Shaw has been the brightest of the bunch.

It's certainly hard to argue against his numbers.

B

Kyle Walker: Having won his head coach's trust, Kyle Walker will remain in the England side for next week's win-or-bust clash with Germany.

For the Three Lions, Walker is a role player. Asked to refrain from embarking on any upfield excursions, Walker continues to go about his business quietly for England.

Jordan Henderson: Liverpool's captain continued his road to fitness as a second-half substitute against the Czech Republic.

Still without a goal for England - his strike was ruled offside, Jordan Henderson looked relatively comfortable alongside Kalvin Phillips.

With match sharpness still an issue, it is unlikely that the 31-year-old will start against Germany.

C

Kalvin Phillips: Re-positioned as England's single pivot in a 4-3-3 following Jude Bellingham's late introduction, Kalvin Phillips wasn't at his creative best against the Czech's.

Declan Rice: Substituted at the break, Declan Rice anchored England's midfield unspectacularly in the first half.

Like Walker, the West Ham supremo has a specific role to fulfil with England - only against better sides (like Germany) will we be able to judge how well he is performing.

Harry Kane: Somewhat involved in England's goal, Harry Kane put in another subdued performance against the Czech Republic.

Un-droppable in the eyes of Gareth Southgate, the Spurs forward must improve against Germany.

Nothing to See:

Marcus Rashford, Tyrone Mings, Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho

Team Report:

It's time to accept Gareth Southgate for who he is and what he stands for.

At this stage, it is clear that Southgate is a defensive coach - one who favours a double pivot in midfield with a rigid structure to keep his players in place.

The Three Lions, then, enter the round of sixteen hoping to minimise the German threat by playing a low-event game.

Southgate is staking his job on England's front four being clinical. Kane's current form suggests he is taking a substantial risk.

Up Next:

England v Germany, Round of Sixteen, Wembley Stadium, Tuesday 29 June, 20:00, BBC One

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