The Czech Republic is hoping to exploit a perceived weakness in England’s defence by targeting centre-back Harry Maguire during their Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday night.
Czech striker Matej Vydra, who plays for Burnley in England, says his club had employed a similar strategy when they faced Maguire’s Leicester City team in the Premier League this season and the approach paid dividends with the defender being sent off early on.
He explains ahead of Friday’s 9.45pm kickoff at Wembley Stadium: “[England’s] attack is very strong. Defence, I don’t say it’s not strong as well, but it’s not as strong as the attack. For example, Maguire.
“We talked about him at Burnley before we played against Leicester. In some moments it seems he doesn’t know what’s happening behind him, that’s why he got a red card after five minutes in the match against Burnley.”
He adds: “[England] like to hold the ball so we have to be close to them. Don’t be afraid to kick them three or four times – then they may change the plan and play one or two touches."
This weekend’s other big qualifier sees Germany travel to the Netherlands on Sunday evening. With Germany currently in a rebuilding phase, they played to a 1-1 draw in a midweek friendly against Serbia.
Qualifiers
Friday:
England v Czech Republic (9.45pm)
Portugal v Ukraine (9.45pm)
Moldova v France (9.45pm).
Saturday:
Italy v Finland (9.45pm)
Spain v Norway (9.45pm).
Sunday:
Hungary v Croatia (7pm), Cyprus v Belgium (9.45pm)
Netherlands v Germany (9.45pm).