England beat Czech Republic 2-0 as Gordon and Kane deliver first Nations League win
England are off the mark in the Nations League. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored in a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. It was a fast, clean response to a painful opening weekend.
The game in Czechia kicked off at 7.45pm BST on Tuesday 29 September 2026. It was Matchday 2 for England in the Nations League, UEFA's biennial contest that pits national teams against sides at a similar level. The fixture was sold out England Football.
Three days earlier, England had lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley. Spain arrived as reigning world champions and punished two England defensive errors to take control. Gordon and Kane sparked England's comeback in that thriller. Mikel Oyarzabal then struck the winner for Spain Reuters.
This time England finished the job. Gordon and Kane found the net again to secure the side's first win in the competition BBC Sport. No late twist. No chase. Just two goals, a clean sheet and three points.
Gordon led the way. BBC Sport England reporter Alex Howell gave him an 8, the highest mark in the England side. Kane was next in the scoring column and earned a 7 for his all-round display.
He was joined on 7 by Elliot Anderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall. James Trafford started in goal and was rated 6. Marc Guehi and Trevoh Chalobah paired in central defence for 6 each, with Myles Lewis-Skelly also on 6.
Further forward, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers both received 6. The substitutes used on the night were marked the same. Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Alex Scott and Rio Ngumoha all got 6.
The result steadies England in a busy autumn. Thomas Tuchel named a 27-man squad for a four-game window running from 21 September to 6 October. He had set out his team for the Spain opener at Wembley. Three days later in Czechia, his players delivered the win.
What makes this stand out is the repeat pairing. Gordon brings the burst. Kane brings the calm. Twice in four days they have scored in the same match, first in defeat and now in victory.
For fans, this means something simple. Strangers can share a good away night together. England have points, momentum and two forwards in rhythm.
