England manager Gareth Southgate admits Friday’s defeat to Czech Republic was a tough one to take.
The Three Lions arrived in Prague knowing that a win would be enough to seal their qualification for EURO 2020 and three games on home soil.
And they now go into Monday’s game with Bulgaria knowing that even if they win in Sofia, qualification will still be dependent on the outcome of Kosovo’s match with Montenegro on the same night.
Southgate won’t dwell on what happens elsewhere this month, but he knows the display of his team will have to improve.
“Tonight, we didn't do enough to win the game and the performance wasn’t good enough, it's as simple as that," he said.
"We probably should’ve got a draw out of it, but in the end the goal we conceded was typical of the chances we gave up throughout the night.
"We've got plenty to look back on but we have to accept collectively there weren't enough good performances.”
It had all started so well for England, with Harry Kane slotting the Three Lions ahead from the penalty spot after just five minutes.
But the Czechs responded well and went on to equalise shortly after, before edging a more equal second half with Zdenek Ondrasak netting a debut winner.
"We tried to change the shape in the first half but it didn't work as well as it might,” admitted Southgate.
"We started the second half a lot better and had chances, but we conceded too many poor chances and gave the ball away too many times.”
The squad will remain in Prague until Sunday, when they head to Sofia for Monday night's game with Bulgaria.
