Newly appointed Czech national football team coach Santi Denia has named three uncapped players in his inaugural 26-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, according to the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR). Midfielders Lukáš Ambros, Roman Macek, and versatile Teplice winger Matěj Radosta received their first senior call-ups for the autumn window, which features four matches in the elite League A Group 3.
Santi Denia Takes Over Following World Cup Exit
According to the FAČR and Eurofotbal.cz, Santi Denia assumed control of the Czech national team at the end of July after replacing Miroslav Koubek. Koubek stepped down following a disappointing campaign at the World Cup in America. Denia, a 55-year-old native of Albacete, arrives as the first-ever national team coach who is not of Czechoslovak origin.
His tenure begins with an intense schedule in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. The Czechs face Croatia at home on September 26, host England in Prague three days later, travel to Oviedo to play reigning world champions Spain on October 3, and finish the block in London against England on October 6, as reported by Eurofotbal.cz.
Uncapped Additions and Notable Returns
The squad features three fresh faces aiming for their debut caps. According to the FAČR, 25-year-old Teplice winger Matěj Radosta earned a surprise selection largely due to his tactical versatility across both flanks. Midfielder Lukáš Ambros joins the setup following a strong start to the season with Anderlecht, where the 22-year-old scored in two Europa League qualifying matches. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Roman Macek immediately secured a regular starting spot in Sparta Prague’s midfield following a summer transfer from Mladá Boleslav.
Did you know? According to Eurofotbal.cz, the squad turnover includes international retirements from several veterans following the North American World Cup, specifically Patrik Schick, Vladimír Darida, Tomáš Holeš, Jaroslav Zelený, and Václav Černý. Additionally, West Ham midfielder Tomáš Souček misses out due to injury while weighing his international future.
Defensive depth gets a boost with the return of Michal Sáček. The 29-year-old Górnik Zabrze player, who holds a single senior cap earned against Ukraine, returns to the fold after a five-year absence, as noted by Eurofotbal.cz. Midfielder Alex Král also returns to the squad after a one-year hiatus, bringing his total of 48 international appearances back into active service.
Full Czech Republic Nations League Squad
According to the official FAČR release, the 26 players selected for the autumn fixtures are:
- Goalkeepers: Lukáš Horníček (Newcastle United), Antonín Kinský (Tottenham Hotspur), Matěj Kovář (PSV Eindhoven)
- Defenders: Vladimír Coufal (Hoffenheim), Robin Hranáč (Hoffenheim), Štěpán Chaloupek (Slavia Prague), David Jurásek (Slavia Prague), Ladislav Krejčí (Wolverhampton), Matěj Ryneš (Sparta Prague), Michal Sáček (Górnik Zabrze), Tomáš Vlček (Slavia Prague), David Zima (Slavia Prague)
- Midfielders: Lukáš Ambros (Anderlecht), Pavel Bucha (Cincinnati), Lukáš Červ (Plzeň), Adam Karabec (Sparta Prague), Alex Král (FC Kodaň), Ondřej Lingr (Korona Kielce), Roman Macek (Sparta Prague), Lukáš Provod (Slavia Prague), Matěj Radosta (Teplice), Michal Sadílek (Slavia Prague), Denis Višinský (Plzeň)
- Forwards: Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim), Tomáš Chorý (Slavia Prague), Pavel Šulc (Lyon)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Czech national team coach?
Spanish coach Santi Denia took over the team in July, replacing Miroslav Koubek after the World Cup.
Which new players received their first call-ups?
According to the FAČR, midfielders Lukáš Ambros and Roman Macek alongside winger Matěj Radosta received their maiden senior selections.
When do the Czechs play their next matches?
The team plays four Nations League matches between September 26 and October 6 against Croatia, England, and Spain.
What do you think of Santi Denia’s first squad selection and the inclusion of newcomers like Matěj Radosta? Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Czech football.
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