Euro 2020: Czech Republic Beat England 2-1

The Czech football team on Friday evening handed England their first major tournament qualifier defeat since 2009, by a score of 2:1 in the 2020 European Championship contest.

It was the first victory for the Czech Republic over England since Czechoslovakia split in 1993. Czechoslovakia last beat England 2-1 in 1975 in a qualifying game for the following year’s European Championship which Czechoslovakia went on to win.

England was able to register an early goal. Skipper Harry Kane converted the penalty in the fifth minute to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.

Raheem Sterling’s run was ended by Lukas Masopust’s clumsy trip and as a result, England was awarded a penalty.

The Czech Republic did not have to wait a long time for the equalizing goal as Jakub Brabec netted the ball in the 9th minute, bringing the scoreline to 1-1.

Zdenek Ondrášek defied the odds and registered a goal for the Czech Republic in the 85th minute to give the side a 2-1 lead.

“It’s unbelievable,” the 30-year-old Ondrášek said. “I’m happy to get a chance (to play) and that I used it. It’s a very important victory and I’m grateful for it. It was hard work from the entire team.”

Level at 1-1 after a sloppy performance, England were punished by 30-year-old Czech debutant and substitute Zdenek Ondrášek, who converted low and unmarked from 10 yards to stun Gareth Southgate’s side (85).