Lioness’ winning streak halted
European Champions England had their 15-match winning run ended by the Czech Republic after a 0-0 draw at the Amex on Tuesday night.
Returning to the ground where they had some of their most memorable nights during the Euros, the Lionesses struggled to break down a stubborn Czech Republic defence.
Lauren Hemp came closest, when after the interval she dinked an effort over Olivie Lukasova in goal onto the post which was then subsequently cleared by the Czech defence.
The home side had previously hit the post in the first half during the opening exchanges as Lauren James struck the woodwork from a tight angle on her full debut for England.
Chloe Kelly also nearly gave England the lead in the opening 45 minutes, glancing her header just wide of the post after being teed up by Lucy Bronze who was making her 100th England appearance.
Bronze would have wanted her country to mark her 100th cap with a victory and was heavily involved in some of England’s best ventures forward.
England thought they had found the breakthrough late on, but Beth Mead was denied by Lukasova from close range.
The Czech Republic did a great job at limiting England’s time to shoot in and around the area, but it wasn’t a completely successful night due to Gabriela Slajsova being forced off on a stretcher in the 75th minute.
Fran Kirby also had an effort from range tipped over by Lukasova in the 86th minute.
