The Czech Republic are hoping to exploit a perceived weakness in England's defence by targeting centre-back Harry Maguire during their Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday, striker Matej Vydra has said.
Vydra, who plays for Burnley, said his club had employed a similar strategy when they faced Maguire's Leicester City team in the Premier League this season and the approach paid dividends with the defender being sent off early on.
'(England's) attack is very strong. Defence, I don't say it's not strong as well, but it's not as strong as the attack,' Vydra told reporters.
'For example, Maguire. We talked about him at Burnley before we played against Leicester. In some moments it seems he doesn't know what's happening behind him, that's why he got a red card after five minutes in the match against Burnley.'
With England missing Manchester City centre-back John Stones due to injury, Maguire is set to be joined by either Everton's Michael Keane or Vydra's Burnley team-mate James Tarkowski in central defence.
Vydra said the Czechs planned to disrupt England's passing game by snapping into tackles and denying their opponents time on the ball.
'(England) like to hold the ball so we have to be close to them,' he added. 'Don't be afraid to kick them three or four times then they may change the plan and play one or two touches.'
England play the Czech Republic at Wembley before travelling to take on Montenegro on Monday.
KuGoo
0
If they're both fit, then I think it's pretty clear that England's CBs will be John Stones and Joe Gomez. That's a big if though.
poniard
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Think this tends to happen when players suddenly become quite prominent after previously flying fairly under the radar. They get focussed on and people pick out their weaknesses. Now it’s just upto him to improve on that.
ourselves
1
to be fair, it must be really laborious to turn that huge head of his
blossomaea
1
Bit weird to call out Maguire who, despite his recent form, has a good record. Especially considering how we struggle to transition the ball from defence to our attacking midfielders without Pickford hoofing it.
offlinea
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He isn't wrong. Maguire has been so reckless lately, and his performances have dropped a bit since the world cup. What he is good at is driving the ball inbetween lines for a deadly pass - and he is a good ball playing defender as Southgate likes a back 3. But he does make some nonsensical decisions sometimes, which he needs to work on.
professorou
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Vydra talking smack about PL defenders makes me laugh. The guy is the biggest flat track bully going. Needs to drop down again and score another 30 goals before another flop move to the top league comes calling.
Missour
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Just ran into the Czech National team in Prague airport and I got excited, just wanted to say.
Ludicrous
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Vydra - the guy who has scored 4 goals in 40 premier league games, nothing to see here then.
babysogane
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Considering the striker himself failed to score against Leicester and his Burnley team still lost at home to 10 man Leicester, I don't think I'll take much notice .
amicablef
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Vydra may get behind the defence of LCFC but then could't get past our goalie- same will happen with England
Roerdlizese
1
The same Harry Kane who scored 25+ goals a year for the past 5 years? Hmm, I would sack your scout and analysts if I was you.