Czech Republic's 29-Man Preliminary World Cup Squad

Youth given a real opening

This is the most interesting part of the squad call.

• Hugo Sochůrek, Alexandr Sojka and Christophe Kabongo are reportedly set for their chance.
• The update says they should at least be involved against Kosovo in Prague.
• That matters because preliminary squads often include prospects, but not all are given a genuine audition.

For a national side trying to refresh itself without losing balance, that is a smart approach. A teenager does not need to make the final squad to influence it. One strong camp can change the depth chart for the next qualifying cycle as much as the next tournament.

Why Hlozek’s return matters

The bigger immediate question is Hlozek. Reports suggest the attacker is back after an injury-hit season and is now fit enough to be assessed in these warm-up matches. If he is sharp, he gives the Czech Republic a different attacking profile.

Alongside Patrik Schick, and with experienced figures such as Tomas Soucek involved, Hlozek offers mobility, link play and another route between midfield and the front line. The issue is rhythm. Returning to a squad is one step; returning to form under international pressure is another.

Two matches, several decisions

The schedule appears straightforward, but the selection themes are not.

• Kosovo looks like the first audition.
• Guatemala on 4 June appears to be the final check before the cut.
• The main calls concern youth, fitness and attacking combinations.

That leaves the next storyline clear: who forces their way into the final 26. The warm-ups will not just shape the squad list - they should show whether the Czech Republic is heading to the tournament with momentum or still searching for its best version.