Tuchel Sweats on Konsa and O’Reilly Fitness for England’s Czech Trip

Thomas Tuchel will wait on late medical checks before deciding whether Konsa and O’Reilly can feature for England against the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday. The Arsenal and Manchester City defenders did not take part in Monday morning’s full squad session at Tottenham’s training base, leaving the head coach with fresh concerns after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley.

What changed for England

England’s 24-player group trained ahead of the flight to the Czech capital, but Konsa and O’Reilly worked separately as they continue to manage minor fitness problems. Tuchel said neither player had trained with the main group and that their availability for the Fortuna Arena fixture remained uncertain.

The coach explained that the players who started against Spain had a lighter session on Monday. A final assessment is planned for Tuesday morning, with the decision resting on clearance from the medical and physical-performance staff.

Tuchel indicated that an additional day could be significant for both players, while stressing that those who trained were keen to be involved.

• Konsa and O’Reilly missed collective training on Monday.
• England will make final availability decisions on Tuesday morning.
• The uncertainty comes after England conceded three goals against Spain.

Competition context

England have begun their return to UEFA Nations League League A with a defeat to the world champions, increasing the importance of a response in Prague. The team had spent the previous Nations League edition in League B and are seeking to establish themselves again at the top level of the competition.

The Czech Republic also arrive needing a result after losing their opening match 2-1 to Croatia. Tuchel stopped short of calling Tuesday’s game a must-win encounter, noting that the group is still at an early stage, but said a result is required after a loss and that the immediate priority is to show a reaction.

England entered the campaign after finishing third at the World Cup during the summer. Their best Nations League result remains third place in the inaugural 2018-19 tournament.

What is scheduled next

England face the Czech Republic at the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday before travelling to Croatia on Saturday. The current international window concludes with another meeting with the Czechs on October 6.

Tuchel’s selection for Prague will therefore depend on whether Konsa and O’Reilly receive the necessary approval after the final checks, with England looking to recover quickly from their opening League A setback.