Czechia

Profile

Czechia ended a two-decade World Cup drought in dramatic fashion, coming through the UEFA play-offs with Patrik Schick firing them over the line. The Czechs are a well-organised, physically capable European side that possesses genuine quality up top while remaining hard to break down at the back. Schick's record at club level with Bayer Leverkusen — where he won a domestic double — gives him world-class credentials, and Tomáš Souček's durability and energy in a West Ham midfield has made him one of the Premier League's most respected players. Adam Hložek emerged from the Bundesliga as a versatile forward with the technique and athleticism to cause problems at the highest level. In a group containing Mexico, South Korea and South Africa, Czech football dares to dream of a knockout stage appearance that would galvanise the nation and cap a remarkable qualifying revival.

Czechia fixtures

Players to watch

• Patrik Schick

  Forward · Bayer Leverkusen

  The Czech Republic's most important player since Nedvěd, Schick scored a stunning lob from the halfway line at Euro 2020 that won goal of the tournament. His predatory finishing, movement inside the box and link-up play make him a constant threat for any World Cup defence.

• Tomáš Souček

  Midfielder · West Ham United

  A towering box-to-box midfielder who has become one of West Ham's most consistent performers across several Premier League seasons. Souček's headed goals, aerial dominance at set pieces and willingness to work for 90 minutes make him an invaluable asset for Czech Republic.

• Adam Hložek

  Forward · Hoffenheim

  A young attacker whose versatility across the front line is one of Czech football's most exciting developments. Hložek can operate as a winger or second striker, combines well in tight spaces and has developed a clinical eye for goal across two Bundesliga campaigns.

Group A table