France’s Nations League campaign took another blow in a high-stakes thriller against England, where a forgotten World Cup winner’s late strike exposed the cracks in the *Bleus’* Euro 2024 ambitions. Pavel Sulc, the 2018 World Cup champion with Czechia, delivered the game-changing moment in the 89th minute, turning a 2-0 deficit into a dramatic draw that left Thomas Tuchel’s side questioning their defensive structure. The match, played under the glare of Nations League pressure, underscored how France’s Euro progress hinges on resolving inconsistencies at the back—particularly for Pierre Sage, whose errors in September’s defeat at Wembley now loom large.
Sulc’s heroics were not his first brush with controversy this season. The 32-year-old had already been sent off against England in September, dismissed for a second yellow in the 2-0 home loss that exposed Czechia’s defensive frailties. Yet here, in a reverse fixture, he delivered the performance that could define his legacy: a clinical finish to level the scores, followed by a clinical display of composure in the final minutes. His ability to thrive in high-pressure moments—despite the red card—has reignited speculation about his role in Czechia’s Euro 2024 hopes, where a deep run could be their best chance to reclaim relevance in European football.
For France, the match was a microcosm of their Euro campaign’s challenges. Tuchel’s side, once the darlings of European football, have struggled to replicate their dominance against mid-tier opposition. The Nations League defeat to Czechia—where Sulc’s late equalizer forced extra time—highlighted how quickly momentum can shift. Sage’s defensive lapses in September were a warning; here, his struggles continued, with France’s backline failing to contain Sulc’s movement in the final third. The Czech striker’s ability to exploit space in the box, even after being reduced to ten men, laid bare the vulnerabilities in France’s otherwise formidable defensive organization.
The implications stretch beyond this match. Sulc’s performance has forced France to confront a harsh reality: Euro 2024 will not be a walkover. The Nations League result was a reminder that even the most talented squads must address fundamental issues—whether it’s defensive solidity, midfield control, or the ability to close down high-pressing opponents. For Tuchel, the task is clear: if France are to progress past the group stage, they must eliminate the human errors that have plagued them in recent encounters. Sulc’s late strike was more than a goal; it was a statement that no team, no matter their pedigree, can take their Euro campaign for granted.
