England regain second place with Nations League win

England have repaired their position in Nations League Group 3 with a first win, moving above Croatia on goal difference and closing to within three points of leaders Spain. The Czech Republic remain bottom without a point after losing their opening two matches.

The 2-0 result in the Czech Republic followed England’s 3-2 home defeat by Spain. The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 25th minute when Pavel Sulc was sent off for a high challenge on Anthony Gordon. Despite England enjoying more possession, the sides stayed level until half-time.

England made the advantage count soon after the restart. Trent Alexander-Arnold supplied the cross for Gordon to head the opener in the 47th minute, giving the Barcelona forward his first goal for England since arriving at the Catalan club while he has remained scoreless for his team. Harry Kane added the second in the 69th minute, and the Czech Republic could not respond despite applying more pressure late on.

England will meet Croatia on October 3, with the winner looking to strengthen its position behind Spain. On the same matchday, Spain will host the Czech Republic.