Gordon and Kane fire England to Nations League win over Czechia
England responded to Saturday’s 3-2 Nations League loss to Spain by winning 2-0 away to Czechia on Tuesday, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane deciding the match after Pavel Sulc’s first-half dismissal. Gordon headed England in front soon after the break from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross before captain Kane added the second.
What changed for England
Thomas Tuchel’s side made their numerical advantage count in Prague after Sulc was sent off before half-time. England had endured a difficult result against Spain but produced a more controlled display against Czechia, taking three important Nations League points.
Gordon’s goal extended a productive spell under Tuchel. The Barcelona forward has scored in each of his last three England appearances and again supplied the decisive attacking edge, meeting Alexander-Arnold’s delivery with a well-placed header.
The 24-year-old joined Barcelona from Newcastle United in a €70m (£60m) summer move. He had previously spoken of wanting to move beyond the Premier League perception that he relied solely on speed, with the switch intended to show more of his tactical and technical game.
Kane said Gordon’s move to one of Europe’s major clubs had strengthened the forward’s belief. The Bayern Munich striker felt the Barcelona player looked increasingly comfortable on the international stage, praising his willingness to attack directly and take responsibility in the final third.
England’s captain also highlighted the quality of Alexander-Arnold’s contribution. The Real Madrid defender had returned to the squad for the first time since June 2025 amid an injury shortage, and Kane pointed to both his range of passing and his defensive work against Czechia.
- Anthony Gordon scored England’s opening goal after the interval.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold provided the assist and impressed defensively.
- Harry Kane completed the 2-0 victory with England’s second goal.
Competition context
The result restored momentum in England’s Nations League campaign following the chaotic defeat by Spain. Tuchel now has growing competition for places in his attacking and defensive selections, particularly after the Gordon-Alexander-Arnold combination produced the breakthrough in Prague.
Gordon’s form for Barcelona and England has made him a stronger contender to retain a starting role, while Alexander-Arnold has made a timely case after his recall. Their link for the opening goal will be noted as Tuchel plans the next two fixtures.
Kane, meanwhile, continues to pursue major England landmarks. He has 87 international goals and is moving towards 100, while also closing on Peter Shilton’s record total of 125 caps. Kane said the prospect of reaching a century of goals would be special, though he is not looking too far ahead.
What is scheduled next
England’s demanding four-match Nations League programme continues with a trip to Croatia on Saturday. Tuchel’s players will then return to Wembley to face Czechia again next Tuesday.
The forthcoming double-header gives Gordon and Alexander-Arnold an immediate opportunity to build on their displays in Prague. Tuchel must now decide whether the pair have done enough to keep their places from the start against Croatia and in the return fixture with Czechia.
