October 10, 2009 is exactly ten years and one day ago. On that day, the English national football team lost in Ukraine 0: 1. It was the last defeat for the Three Lions in a qualifying competition for a World or European Championship. Until Friday evening: In the Czech Republic, the team of coach Gareth Southgate lost 1: 2 (1: 1).
England had taken the lead through Harry Kane after just five minutes. The captain converted a penalty after Czech Republic's Lukas Masopust Raheem Sterling took down the penalty area in the penalty area. After a corner, center-back Jakub Brabec equalized just minutes later (4 minutes). But the Czech Republic, which was only one point ahead of Kosovo before the game, needed the victory.
A 30 year old double debutant
After just over an hour, national coach Jaroslav Silhavy brought a new striker, Zdenek Ondrásek. The 30-year-old plays since January 2019 in the US MLS for FC Dallas and had previously denied any A international match.
The Czech Republic put pressure on the English in the final stages. After a ball loss in English build-up Masopust played the ball in the back of the defense. There Ondrásek had no problems at the penalty spot to push the ball against the direction of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford goal. England was beaten.
However, the Englishmen remain leaders in qualifying Group A and can qualify for the finals with a win against Bulgaria on Monday. The Czech Republic is tied second, but has a game more than Kosovo, which is third. The first two teams in a group will qualify for the finals.
