Czechia clash too early to be a 'must-win' game for England, says Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel believes it is too early to label England's Nations League clash against Czechia as a "must-win" game following their defeat to Spain.

England make the trip to Fortuna Arena on Tuesday, aiming to get their Nations League campaign back on track after they were beaten 3-2 by Luis de la Fuente's side. 

The result saw the Three Lions lose a match they led at half-time for the first time since June 2019, which also came in the Nations League against the Netherlands. 

It will be England's first away game against Czechia since October 2019 – a 2-1 defeat in a European Championship qualifier. Only Spain (a run of three), France and Sweden (both two) have won consecutive matches against the Three Lions this century. 

England come into the game having conceded 13 goals in their last six games, almost double the amount they had in their first 17 matches under Tuchel (seven). 

Following their meeting with Czechia, England travel to Croatia before facing Santi Denia's side again at Wembley Stadium on October 6, though Tuchel believes that failure to win the first clash was not the end of the world for his team. 

"It's a bit early for must-win. I know what you mean, but it is a bit early in the group for a must-win," Tuchel told reporters. 

"We always arrive and prepare the team with a target to win. It was the target against Spain, and it is the same [against Czechia].

"We respect the quality and the challenge it brings. You play in Prague against Czechia; it is difficult. There will be support for the home team.

"We always prepare for the win; we want the win. It is too early to speak for a must. It would be ideal. The problem is the opponent on the other side."

England have lost just one of their last nine meetings with Czechia in all competitions (W6 D2), though it was on their last visit to the nation in October 2019 (1-2).

But Czechia are another team who are looking to get their Nations League campaign up and running after they were beaten 2-1 by Croatia in their opening match. 

Czechia have lost their last two games in all competitions, last losing more consecutively between June and September 2022 (four), but Tuchel is expecting a tough test. 

"We only analysed one game from the Czech team, as they have a new coach," Tuchel added. We saw a flexible midfield of three. A lot of changes in position.

"Wingers, attacking full-backs and a team that was well-organised. Full of motivation to take their chance, that is what we saw.

"I feel I always need a result; you always need a result in football to get confidence, to get the support and belief.

"Especially after a defeat. If everyone in the camp truly believes, even then you still need it for yourself. The best reaction is if you can prove it in a result."

Tuchel also refused to rule out Nico O'Reilly and Ezri Konsa from playing against Czechia after the pair missed training because of minor injuries. 

"I am not sure yet [will they play]. They missed training because of minor issues, but they are still issues," Tuchel said.

"They need to be assessed, and we will see [on Tuesday]."