Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in England’s starting XI in Prague, part of a reshuffle as Thomas Tuchel’s side responds to a 3-2 opening defeat to Spain.
Alexander-Arnold gets his first start under Tuchel
England Football confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall, Trevoh Chalobah and Morgan Rogers came into England's starting team against Czechia. Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to start for England against the Czech Republic and will play at right back.
Nico O'Reilly is out of the England squad due to injury. Ezri Konsa is out of the England squad due to injury. Tino Livramento is not available for England. Ben White is not available for England. Reece James is not available for England.
England Football confirmed Rio Ngumoha had a place on the bench against Czechia.
Reporting: englandfootball.com · bbc.com · theguardian.com
Why the Prague match matters after two opening defeats
England suffered a 3-2 defeat to Spain in their opening Nations League game, a match where Harry Kane missed a penalty in the 54th minute.
Czechia also began their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Croatia and have now lost three of their previous four games.
Both teams entered the Prague match after losing their opening Nations League fixture. England has lost just one of its nine meetings with Czechia.
Reporting: theguardian.com · si.com · uefa.com
Why Alexander-Arnold’s selection gets attention
Before the Czechia match, Alexander-Arnold had made one appearance under Thomas Tuchel, as a substitute against Andorra. The Guardian’s live coverage said Alexander-Arnold’s inclusion would make England a different team.
England has conceded 13 goals in their last six games. England kept four clean sheets in 13 games in 2026. England went through 2025 World Cup qualifying without conceding a goal and also kept a clean sheet in a friendly win over Wales.
Reporting: theguardian.com · bbc.com · theguardian.com
The Czechia side England face in Prague
Santi Denia is the manager of the Czech Republic national team. Czechia qualified for the World Cup via the playoffs in March. Czechia exited the World Cup group stage without a victory. Patrik Schick ended his international career after the World Cup.
Lukáš Horní?ek serves as the first-choice goalkeeper for Czechia, while Adam Hložek leads the national team's attack.
David Zima is not available for Czechia. David Jurásek is not available for Czechia. Mat?j Ryneš is not available for Czechia. Tomáš Vl?ek is not available for Czechia. Lukáš Provod is not available for Czechia.
What comes next in Nations League Group A3
Czechia vs England was scheduled for 7:45 p.m. BST on September 29, 2026 in Prague. UEFA’s schedule has England away to Croatia on October 3 and at home to Czechia on October 6 after the Prague fixture.
Reporting: englandfootball.com · uefa.com
Key takeaways
- Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to start for England against Czechia at right back.
- Both England and Czechia lost their opening Nations League fixture.
- England Football confirmed Alexander-Arnold was among four players brought into the starting team.
- England travel to Croatia on October 3 before hosting Czechia on October 6.
Sources and reporting
Match Centre: Czechia v England · 2026/27 UEFA Nations League: league phase fixtures and results · Defensive flux gives Tuchel headache but Alexander-Arnold could be remedy · Alexander-Arnold set for rare England start against Czech Republic in Nations League · Czechia v England: Nations League football – live · Czechia vs. England—Nations League: Preview, Predictions and Lineups · England squad named for September and October window
