Premier League star facing axe from national team for crucial World Cup play-off clash

Tomas Soucek boasts plenty of international experience for the Czech Republic, but could miss their massive fixture this week.

The West Ham star has been included in his country’s squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Ireland on Thursday night.

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Czechia finished second in their qualifying group, and now have one last chance to reach the World Cup proper this summer.

With 87 international caps, Soucek has made the most appearances out of any active player for his country.

However, as reported by The Sun, the 31-year-old is set to be dropped for the upcoming clash against Ireland.

Soucek has held the Czech captaincy since Euro 2020 and played in all of their qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Their final fixture was a 6-0 thrashing of Gibraltar in November, but he and some of his teammates were punished by the Czech FA after.

As per ESPN, players missed out on financial bonuses after ignoring their fans at the end of the victory.

This is said to have been a response to criticism of their campaign.

Soucek was given the most notable sanction though as he lost the captain’s armband.

Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci will lead Czechia out against Ireland instead of the West Ham man, who could miss out on the starting XI.

The midfield three that has been spotted in training does not include Premier League midfielder Soucek, according to The Sun’s report.

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How can Czechia qualify for the World Cup?

Czechia must beat Ireland in Prague to reach the UEFA World Cup play-off Path D final.

They will face the winner of Denmark v North Macedonia, and victory in that would see them qualify for the tournament group stages.

Group A of the World Cup is the reward, with co-hosts Mexico joined by South Africa and South Korea.

These three opponents will all be played in reverse order from June 11 to June 24.

Whoever wins Group A will play a third-placed side from Groups C, E, F, H or I in the last 32.

England will be their opponents in the last 16 if they win Group L and beat a third-placed side from Groups E, H, I J or K.

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