- Best Euros
- Runner up 1996, Semi final 2004 (Winner in 1976 as Czechoslovakia)
- 2016 Euros
- Group Stage
Czech Republic's Euro Schedule
| Date | Fixture | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 14th June 2pm | Scotland v Czech Republic | Glasgow |
| 18th June 5pm | Croatia v Czech Republic | Glasgow |
| 22nd June 8pm | Czech Republic v England | Wembley |
Road to the Euros
Czech Republic qualified for the tournament by finishing second in Group A, the group topped by tournament opponents England, as they finished four points ahead of Kosovo. They did the job but it’s fair to say that qualification was a mixed bag. After losing 5-0 away to England, they managed to beat them 2-1 at home. A 2-1 win at home to Bulgaria was followed by a 1-0 loss away and Kosovo and Czech Republic each won their respective home meetings. That could be indicative of what to expect from Czech Republic here, a side who have not fared too well on their travels.
Current form
Much like their qualifying campaign, their recent form is a mixed bag. In a way it was what you’d have expected from the fixtures they’ve played and if the scorelines are anything to go by, Czech Republic could be an entertaining watch at the tournament. They hammered Estonia 6-2 on their travels before drawing 1-1 at home with Belgium. Most recently they were humbled 4-0 by Italy in their first warm-up game but did wrap up their preparations with a comfortable 3-1 home win against Albania. They’ll need to improve on their results on their travels given that their group games with England and Scotland are home vs away.
Squad assessment
It would be unfair to say the Czech’s have a weak squad, but it does lack depth beyond the first choice starting eleven. It’s also easy to compare to the luxury of England’s depth or Croatia’s magical midfield, when in reality they’re competing with Scotland first and foremost whilst hoping to pinch a point elsewhere and maybe progress as a third-placed qualifier. A majority of their players do not ply their trade in Europe's top leagues, including Bristol City’s Tomas Kalas who is now expected to start. The biggest hole in their squad looks to be up top with a huge reliance on Patrik Schik and not much backing him up.
Key players
Czech Republic’s key players are glaringly obvious. Coufal is the most talented in the backline and will have a job to do in both halves of the pitch whilst his West Ham team-mate Soucek is the standout performer in midfield. He’ll be tasked with breaking up the play and helping the Czechs retain possession, but he’ll also need to produce some of the lung busting runs on display for the Hammers this season. If he can pop up with a goal or two from set pieces, that’ll be another bonus. Spartak Moscow starlet Alex Kral is an exciting prospect and will surely want his talents to be on display at the tournament, as he has the potential to play in better leagues than Russia, and Leverkusen’s 13-goal hitman Patrik Schik will need to be clinical when any opportunities drop his way.
Click below to read more about each of Czech Republic's Group D opponents: