England frustrated at the Amex

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Lionesses held to a goalless draw by Czech Republic in Tuesday's friendly.

Bruce Talbot

2022-10-11T21:35:00Z

Beth Mead searches for a goal after coming on at half-time.

England were held to a goalless draw by the Czech Republic in front of a bumper Amex crowd on Tuesday.

The 21,222 fans created a brilliant atmosphere but England failed to score for only the second time under head coach Sarina Wiegman, although they remain unbeaten in 24 games under the Dutchwoman.

England had 22 shots and forced 12 corners but when the Czech defence was beaten keeper Olivie Lukasova frustrated England with some fine saves.

Wiegman said, “We kept the unbeaten run going which is nice but we want to win every game so it was a frustrating night for us - we’re disappointed.

Fran Kirby shoots late in the second half, only to be denied by a flying save.

“We knew the Czech Republic would be physical, direct and tough opponents but we needed to do better in tight spaces and we lost the ball a few times when we shouldn’t have. It was a good learning moment for us.”

England’s best chance came on the hour when Lauren Hemp thought she’d broken the deadlock on the hour when she darted in from the right and chipped the ball over Lukasova, but watched it bounce back off the upright with Demi Stokes unable to prod the loose ball over the line.

Lukasova was tested again when Beth Mead picked her way through a mass of defenders but the keeper came out bravely to block her shot and in the closing stages Fran Kirby’s curling effort was spectacularly tipped over the bar by Lukasova.