England 2 Czech Republic 0, November 18th 1998

The Czechs began well but but were defeated by a spirited England showing that saw a return to form for a squad that has laboured tpo near elimination in the Euro 2000 matches since the World Cup.

Coach Glenn Hoddle stressed the need for more movement from his players and he was rewarded after on opening show of passing technique and force saw the Czechs hit the bar with a shot on the run from Pavel Kuka. The Czechs fielded a strong side - there were rumours that a second string eleven would be played in the friendly - but England slowly took control and scored at just the right time to give a clear boost to the confidence of the side.

Veteran striker Ian Wright crossed low after good work on the left wing and his ball evaded two defenders and his new strike partner Dion Dublin to swing into the path of an advancing Darren Anderton who passed it into the net right next to the post.

Dublin worked hard throughout and much of his good aerial work was prompted by David Beckham who was enjoying the chance to play in central midfield. His keen running and range of passing were evident throughout - his shots were wayward during the game but he was always the player most eager to collect a pass from the strikers and look to hit the ball at goal. The real threat to the Czexh defence came from the 35 year old Wright on the left. Although not certain of his first touch and rarely a threat to the Czech goal himself his speed on the left and quick turns set up a second goal for England in the 39th minute. An inswinger from Wright was tipped to Paul Merson by the head of Dublin and the Villa man hit the ball low into the far corner of the net. Merson is unlikely to carry out his threat to retire from internationals after that hit.

Graeme Le Saux blasted a shot point blank at goalkeeper Petr Kouba when it seemed easier to score to waste the best England chance of the second half but there passing created many chances and their performance was unrecognisable from their Euro 2000 failures this season.