Czech Republic v England betting tips: England seek Wembley improvement

Preview and odds for the Group D match

England booked a place in the knockout stage of Euro 2020 last night without kicking a ball but will be keen to restore some confidence after a poor display against Scotland when they face the Czech Republic tonight.

Gareth Southgate’s men are second in Group D after having to settle for a goalless draw on Friday night, with the Czech Republic also on four points but with a superior goal difference. Both are through to the knockout stage after results yesterday meant four points is definitely enough to progress.

Tuesday’s match is live on ITV and kicks off at 8pm as we highlight a few potential Czech Republic v England betting tips.

Czech Republic v England match odds

England made the perfect start to the Euros by beating Croatia in their opening game but failed to reproduce that performance against Scotland.

The uninspired Three Lions fell well short of expectations against the Auld Enemy, with John Stones’ early header off the woodwork the best they could muster in a 0-0 draw at Wembley.

It could have been even worse if Scotland had taken their chances, with Stephen O’Donnell denied superbly by Jordan Pickford in the first half and Lyndon Dykes having an effort cleared off the line in the second period.

One goal in two games is a poor return for a team with so much attacking talent and Southgate will be keen to put that right in the final game, which England are 4/6 to win.

Over 2.5 goals is available at 5/4, which emphasises England’s struggles in the final third, while they are 10/11 to at least end the group stage with a perfect defensive record.

The Czech Republic followed up their 2-0 win against Scotland by holding Croatia to a 1-1 draw and another draw here is priced at 11/5.

A Czech win is available at 5/1 while both teams to score is an option at 23/20 and an England win with goals at both ends is also 23/20.

Czech Republic v England head-to-head

England and the Czech Republic came through the same qualifying group for Euro 2020 and enjoyed one win apiece so know plenty about each other ahead of their Wembley reunion.

The Czechs will be desperate to avoid a repeat of their visit in March 2019 when they suffered their heaviest defeat as an independent nation.

England cruised to a 5-0 victory thanks to a Raheem Sterling hat-trick, with Harry Kane netting from the penalty spot and Tomas Kalas scoring a late own goal.

Kane also converted an early penalty in Prague but Jakub Brabec quickly equalised and the hosts secured a 2-1 victory thanks to substitute Zdenek Ondrasek’s late winner.

The two teams have never met at a European Championship but England beat Czechoslovakia in the group stage of the World Cups in 1970 and 1982.

Previous XI

Czech Republic: Vaclik, Celustka, Coufal, Kalas, Holes, Boril, Darida, Masopust, Jankto, Soucek, Schick.

England: Pickford, Shaw, Stones, Mings, James, Rice, Phillips, Mount, Foden, Kane, Sterling.

Team news

England duo Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are having to isolate after coming into close contact with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who has tested positive for coronavirus.

Mount’s absence could open the door for Grealish but Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson remain options for the boss while Harry Maguire could return in place of Tyrone Mings in the centre of defence.

Key battles

Kane began Euro 2020 as the favourite in the golden boot betting but has barely had a sniff of goal and it is Czech striker Patrik Schick who looks a more likely winner so far.

The Bayer Leverkusen ace lit up the Euros with two goals – including a 50-yard stunner – in the win over Scotland and followed it up with a controversial penalty against Croatia.

Kane is still seen as the more likely goalscorer at Wembley and is 7/5 to open his account for the tournament while Schick is 7/2 to add to his tally.

The likes of Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho will hope to get a chance to start as England look to be more creative while midfielder Declan Rice will know all about the threat of West Ham team-mate Tomas Soucek.

View the latest Euro 2020 odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication