Excellent Czech Republic hold European champions England to goalless draw in Brighton | OneFootball

The Czech Republic put in a valiant display as they held European champions England to a goalless draw at The Amex Stadium in Brighton this evening.

Organised from the first minute until the last, Karel Rada’s Czech side presented the Lionesses with a problem that they simply couldn’t solve across the 90 minutes.

The first half saw England struggle to break down a determined and committed opponent. The best chance fell the way of Lauren James after just four minutes but she fired her effort against the near post. Chloe Kelly then headed narrowly wide later on in the half following a Lucy Bronze cross before visiting keeper Olivia Lukášová had to be alert to prevent a corner kick from sneaking into the net.

The Czech Republic were absolutely superb in the first half and they came out for the second period just as determined. Rada’s side were getting numbers behind the ball and it was very difficult to see a solution when it came to England breaking their opponents down.

Lauren Hemp threatened the visitors’ goal early in the half but her header looped onto the roof of the net before the same player hit the post on the hour mark and teammate Fran Kirby failed to sweep the ball home from the rebound.

Substitute Beth Mead then went through on goal but Lukášová came out big to make a crucial block before the Czech keeper superbly tipped Kirby’s goal-bound effort over the bar. Mead saw a further shot deflected wide late on as the visitors hung on for a thoroughly deserved draw.

England will end the calendar year with fixtures against Japan and Norway on neutral territory in Spain next month.