England 5-0 Czech Republic: 5 Hits and Flops
England started their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign off to a flying start, after an emphatic 5-0 thrashing over a disappointing Czech Republic side at Wembley. In Group A alongside Montenegro, Bulgaria and Kosovo, England are expected to comfortably prevail and this victory will provide them with plenty of confidence with easier tests to come.
Raheem Sterling's hat-trick, coupled with goals from Harry Kane and a Tomas Kalas own goal sealed all three points for Gareth Southgate's side - who were without key players and introduced more talented youngsters too.
Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho sparkled from kick-off, while West Ham's Declan Rice and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi made their senior debuts, impressing in cameo appearances from the substitutes' bench in the second half. With all of that in mind, here's a look at five hits and flops as England cruised to victory with an impressive showing at home on this occasion:
#5 Flop: Patrick Schick
A player tipped for greatness, Patrick Schick's struggles in the attacking third have been evident to see this term. After a breakthrough season with Sampdoria in 16/17, the 23-year-old was expected to flourish after joining Roma. Among better teammates and keen to justify the hype as one of the league's top marksmen, so far he has failed to do just that.
Last season was understandable after suffering troublesome injuries, but this year he hasn't kicked on either. Five goals and a solitary assist in 27 appearances (in all competitions) isn't good enough for a player with his ability. So if anything, this international break could have proven a blessing in disguise for Patrick, in order to get away from the distractions and pressure at club level while linking up with compatriots and aiming to improve his goal tally.
Since his senior debut in 2016, he's now made 15 appearances and netted five goals. He didn't look like scoring on this occasion and instead, was quiet for sustained periods at Wembley against a determined England backline. Seen as the visitors' main attacking outlet, he was effectively shackled by Harry Maguire and Michael Keane.
He won three aerial duels before being replaced with less than ten minutes to play, a stat only bettered by Theodor Gebre Selassie, Maguire (both 4) and Ben Chilwell (6). He relinquished possession on three occasions, committed two fouls and was booked for a cynical foul while only registering one hopeful strike from distance - which flew wide of the mark. Disappointing is an understatement.