Blažek backing Czechs to improve

He may be one of the more inexperienced members of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship squad but Jan Blažek is calling on the Czech Republic to build on their goalless draw with England as they look to progress from Group B.

Tight contest
The FC Slovan Liberec forward came on for the last eleven minutes at the Gelredome, a game both sides had chances to win. England had more reason to curse their luck after substitute Leroy Lita's 88th-minute penalty miss, although Daniel Pudil's free-kick early in the second half was touched on to the crossbar by Scott Carson. "Both teams will be happy enough with a point," Blažek told uefa.com. "It was a very tough, even game. Both teams played well, and one goal was always going to be enough to win. We made enough chances to win, but obviously it could easily have been a defeat had England converted that late penalty. A draw was a fair result."

'Play as one'
Ladislav Škorpil's side lost three key players – captain Martin Latka, their top scorer in qualifying Tomáš Frejlach, and Mario Holek - shortly before the finals while Daniel Kolář sustained an ankle injury against England but Blažek, who collected his third U21 cap on Monday, is pleased at the response to those setbacks. "We've shown a lot of team spirit," the 19-year-old said. "We've had a few injuries but the players have pulled together well. We play as one man. The first match is always very important, and losing it would have put us in a difficult position, but a draw is a good result for us. Now we have to go on and look to win the next game."

Serbia next
That is in Nijmegen on Thursday, against a Serbia team who overcame much-fancied Italy in their opening fixture. Blažek recognises another tough encounter in prospect. "We watched the Italy-Serbia game and, as expected, both teams were very strong. Serbia scored with their best chance and defended very well to protect their lead. All the sides in this tournament are very strong and every game will be difficult. We must prepare for this match in the same way we got ready to face England. Serbia will be a tough game for both teams, we'll have to work very hard throughout and we'll try to go for the win."

'Take our chances'
Blažek was one of only two Czech Republic players who featured against England to join in training on Tuesday morning, with the remainder staying at the hotel for a warm-down on exercise bikes and a water aerobics session. The 12 players at the training ground in Groesbeek concentrated mainly on drills involving quick-fire first-time passing, and Blažek is clear where his side must improve. "We have to make more of our chances. We have to create more and make sure we take advantage. We're focused only on this match and if we can get a win, it will be a big step towards the semi-finals. At this point, though, we're only thinking about Serbia, we're not thinking about progress."