England produced another polished display as they ended this extended international window with a comprehensive victory over the Czech Republic at Wembley.
Harry Kane stole the plaudits, as he so often does, with two goals on a night that saw him draw level with Peter Shilton in bringing up 125 caps for his country. Kane netted twice, either side of half-time, and even had a hand in the opening goal. It was his cross that was diverted into his own net by Vladimir Coufal just before the half-hour mark.
The win was a third straight success – and third successive shut-out – for Thomas Tuchel’s side, who sit second in Nations League group A3. They conclude their fixtures next month, at home to Croatia before a mouth-watering match away at leaders Spain.
Tuchel’s side were in firm control against the Czechs and after coming close in the early exchanges it was an own goal that got them in front. Former West Ham man Coufal made a hash of an intended clearance from Kane’s wicked centre just a few yards out and inexplicably put through his own goal.
The lead was then doubled when Kane slotted home a fine goal after a well-worked move. Morgan Rogers assisted with a brilliant, first-time pass from the right before Bayern Munich goal machine Kane notched international goal number 90 in style.
He struck the crossbar just after the restart but it didn’t take long for him to find goal number 91. He rose highest to meet Lewis Hall’s corner and took advantage of slack Czech defending to nod in past Newcastle goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček.
The final half-hour was low-key with the job already done and dusted for England, allowing Tuchel to give the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Rio Ngumha rare game time.
On the whole, England can look back on what was firmly a positive four-game period. Yes, they might have been beaten by Spain in their first outing but the performance showed they can take it to the elite. Supporters will be hoping this can be the blueprint ahead of the next major tournament, the Euros on home soil in 2028.
Post-match, the German eulogised over his team as they ended this camp on a high: “I am very satisfied. We had a very good camp and again a very good performance.
“We were totally dominant, created good moments, scored nice goals and deserved the win. The effort was there, the quality was there. It was an excellent two weeks.”
On Kane, he once again showered his star man with praise: “He delivers all the time, it makes no difference. It’s of course special that he did it today when he equals the record with Peter Shilton. If it needed any proof, it doesn’t of course, he shows it again and again. He has again a very good performance. He played all four matches for us, he was eager to play and start all four matches.”
