England 3-0 Czech Republic: Harry Kane Brace Helps Three Lions Cruise at Wembley

England returned to Wembley to face bottom-of-Nations-League-Group-A3 Czech Republic in their final fixture of this September break. Fresh off their 7–0 demolition job of Croatia at the weekend, they headed back to the capital with anticipation of another hefty win against Czech Republic.

Several faces made their way back into the starting XI, with Trent Alexander-Arnold starting at right-back, forcing Jarell Quansah, who was right-back for the two prior games, back to his natural centre-back position. Myles Lewis-Skelly partnered Elliot Anderson in the midfield pivot, replacing the injured Alex Scott, while Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers came in to replace Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka.

The Three Lions got off to a promising start, with Chelsea signing Morgan Rogers winning a free-kick 30 yards out from goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold forcing Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek into a save.

Two minutes later, Czech midfielder Alex Kral tested Jordan Pickford with a shot which went wide following a promising pressing move.

Elliot Anderson created a chance, finding Morgan Rogers, who linked up with Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose cross unluckily did not connect with talisman Harry Kane.

Hornicek had to deny England yet again, intercepting Morgan Rogers due to poor defending from the Czech Republic back line. Rogers had another shot which went wide after cutting inside on the right-hand side.

Kane and Rogers teamed up again to unleash problems onto the defence, with both their shots being blocked.

It wasn’t until the 27th minute that England broke down the visitors, with a name familiar to many English fans, former West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal, scoring an own goal after being put under pressure by Eberechi Eze.

Three minutes later, Elliot Anderson attempted to inflict further wounds on the Czechs, with his shot being skied over the bar.

Five minutes later, Harry Kane went on the hunt for his first goal of the game, with his shot being blocked by defender Vitek.

But in the 40th minute, he finally got his 90th goal with a fantastic placed finish, scoring his ninth goal for England in 2026! This was all made possible by Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers combining, with the latter assisting Harry Kane.

After the interval, England were fired up, and Kane wanted to end the night with a hat-trick, with a shot that hit the crossbar following great play from Myles Lewis-Skelly, with his shot beating the Czech goalkeeper!

Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall whipped in a powerful corner to the back post, with the Bayern Munich striker heading the ball in from 10 yards out, gaining his 91st England goal.

In the 63rd minute, Elliot Anderson and Marc Guéhi were hauled off after both having stellar games, replaced by Everton duo James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha and Forest skipper Morgan Gibbs-White came in for Jude Bellingham, who had a quiet game by his standards, and left-back Lewis Hall.

England were hoping to leapfrog world champions Spain to the top of the group. Croatia took the lead, but La Roja came back with a strong comeback, with midfielder Mikel Merino, known for clutch goals, scoring a brace for his nation.

In the 82nd minute, Harry Kane was withdrawn, unfortunately not being able to get his hat-trick. He was replaced by Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, receiving a standing ovation from the Three Lions supporters.

In the dying embers of the game, Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold almost scored a freak own goal, but thankfully, it went wide, keeping England a clean sheet!

The game ended in a 3–0 win, with England scoring all three of their shots on target.

Their next international game will be next month at Wembley, hosting Croatia in Group A3.

England have now qualified for the quarter-finals of the Nations League next year, barring an unlikely 8–0 Croatia win against them.

This result leaves Harry Kane in good form ahead of his Ballon d’Or charge.