Maguire is England’s weakness, claims Vydra

Ahead of their opening fixture in the European qualifiers Friday evening Czech Republic striker Matej Vydra claims his team have identified Harry Maguire as England’s weak link.

Admitting the Three Lions are strong in attack and are in excellent form, the Burnley striker was less complimentary regarding the defence.

” [Harry] Kane is top, [Marcus] Rashford as well, [Raheem] Sterling is in a great form. The attack is very strong. Defence, I don’t say it’s not strong as well, but it’s not as strong as the attack.”

The former Derby and Watford man also believes that the red card the Leicester defender was shown in the early stages of the match against Burnley last weekend highlighted the weaknesses that exists within his game.

“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.”

Despite England being in excellent form under Gareth Southgate, including a World Cup semi-final finish in Russia and topping their group in the Nations League, Matej Vydra was in confident mood speaking ahead of the clash at Wembley.

Although the national side currently sit 44th in the world rankings, 39 places behind England, the striker believes the Czech Republic have nothing to fear and are focused on upsetting the odds.

“They [England] would surely like to hold the ball and play a possession game, so we have to be close to them. Don’t be afraid to kick them three or four times – then they may change the plan and play just one or two touches.”

England host the Czech Republic on Friday evening in the first match of the European Qualifiers in 19.45 GMT kick off.