A night designed to spark dreams of Euro glory next summer instead became the stuff of nightmares as the Czechs became the first side for ten years and a day to beat England in a qualifier.

Sub Zdenek Ondrasek punished the Three Lions for their worst post-World Cup display with an 85th minute winner, smartly converting a right wing cross.

It was no more than lack-lustre England deserved for a display anarchic before the break and anaemic after it.

When Ukraine beat Fabio Capello’s team back in 2009, England had already booked their World Cup ticket.

They shoudln’t miss out this time either but Gareth Southgate was left with far more questions than answers ahead of Monday’s game in Bulgaria.

Gareth Southgate's side didn't impress against Czech Republic

England did marginally improve after a shambolic first half but never looked like maintaining their 100 per cent record with too many individuals well below par.

The opening 20 minutes were almost a continuation of the second half against Kosovo – just what Southgate DIDN’T want.

He claimed that he’s been miserable since witnessing England’s defensive frailties in that crazy 5-3 win.

And despite Harry Kane putting the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after just five minutes, this hardly improved his mood .

The Three Lions were a mess at the back in their last game and nothing changed here particularly from Czech set-pieces.

Jordan Pickford had rescued his side with a superb save, acrobatically pushing away Vladimir Coufal’s angled drive but from the resulting corner, the lead vanished.

Zdenek Ondrasek scored the hosts' winner against England

Again, there were question marks surrounding Michael Keane’s international pedigree with Jakub Brabec losing him far too easily to fire home.

And from the Czech’s next flag-kick, there was further confusion in the backline with Patrik Schick heading wide at the far post.

For a side who’d looked a class apart from their rivals in previous qualifiers, the opening period was a particularly sobering experience for England, who were shaken rather than stirred by the Czech’s attacking enterprise.

It had all started so very differently with Raheem Sterling braking so violently inside the box as he ran on to Kane’s return pass, Lukas Masopust couldn’t prevent himself clattering into him.

The England skipper had missed from the spot at Southampton but sent the keeper the wrong way to earn another two entries into his bulging CV.

It was his ninth successful penalty for the Three Lions drawing him level with record holder Frank Lampard. And his 20th goal as captain now places him in the same company as Alan Shearer and Bryan Robson.

Harry Kane netted an early penalty for England but it went downhill from there

Expectations of a home win had not been high, reflected in the scores of empty seats inside the Sinobo Stadium but those present were already scenting a home win as the match restarted.

England at last put an incisive move together on 57 minutes when Kane’s deft flock sent Sterling clear but keeper Tomas Vacilik denied him.

Two minutes later, Pickford excelled with a flying save to tip Masopust’s 25 yard shot over the bar.

There were half-chances for Kane and Jadon Sancho but it was Ondrasek who had the final word, sweeping home 20 minutes after coming off the bench.