The Three Lions Chronicles: Chapter Three

Against a competitive Czech Republic, England achieved their first objective at Euro 2020: topping the group.

Tonight's games will reveal the Three Lions opponents in the last 16, but the draw looks set to hand them a heavyweight. With a view on last night, and the future, here's Playmaker collaborator and England fan Louis Bent with his regular post-match feedback...

England’s advance to the knockout stages was confirmed on Monday night after the conclusion of Group’s B and C – with 4 points deemed enough for any team to progress as a best third-placed side. That in mind, any England fan hoped that with qualification secured, Gareth Southgate may lift the shackles off the English attacking talent.

This was very nearly the case, with Jack Grealish's selection in the starting eleven for the final group game against the Czech Republic a pleasant surprise for most England supporters for sure. Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka was also handed a recall to the side, the apparent aim being to provide more width and speed on the flanks.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also came into the side in place of Tyrone Mings. Although I appreciate the need for Maguire to regain match sharpness for the knockout rounds, the omission of Mings was slightly harsh given the fact he’d performed quite well in the opening group games.

©@England

The first half saw attacking intent from the England side playing in front of 25,000 fans at Wembley. Grealish’s ingenuity was creating issues for the Czech back line, and it was Grealish's cross that was met by Raheem Sterling to give England the 1-0 lead that they’d eventually hold onto for the duration of the game.

However, credit for England’s progressive and more incisive approach must be handed to Arsenal youngster Saka who helped drive the side forwards in the lead up to the first goal. Saka impressed me with his nimble, astute turns and intelligent runs, and his Man of the Match display has seen him stake a strong claim for a spot in the Three Lions starting XI in their last 16 clash next Tuesday.

Although the first half was a significant improvement on the Scotland game, in terms of moving the ball quickly and penetrating the opposition backline, the second half was largely underwhelming. Slow, ponderous and a real slog to watch, the second 45 suggests England lack cutting edge. Clean sheets are important – but surely momentum is equally - as it was the life was strangled out of a game that had seen a fruitful attacking performance up until the half time whistle.

©Getty / marc atkins

Fans can take inspiration from Portugal’s 2016 run to become European Championship winners, where Ronaldo and co flattered to deceive in most games and didn’t win a single group fixture. The momentum created will be a more controlled one for England, but they have to find another higher gear in order to beat the best teams – one of which we’re due to face in a week’s time.