This is the first time since group stages were introduced to this tournament in 2000 that not one side from either pool has secured a place in the knockout stage before the final round of group fixtures.

Seven of the teams can still progress — even Ukraine who are bottom of Group B with one point — which means there are many complicated permutations. But for England, it is simple. If they win, they are likely to face Switzerland on Wednesday in Herning, otherwise they board an early flight home.

It will not be easy. The Czechs have won eight of their last 10 competitive games and their only defeat came against Spain on Wednesday but England have run up a similarly impressive sequence, which Pearce was eager to point out.

‘There are players in this team who do not know what it is like to lose,’ said Pearce, who last saw his side beaten in a competitive fixture in March 2010.

‘That’s because of their mental attitude and strength. People were thinking we should win the game (against Ukraine), totally disregarding how good they are and how they qualified.

‘Don’t forget, the Germans aren’t here, nor the French or Italians. We’re too ready to write off our own nation. But I think, if we get through, it’ll galvanise us and give us momentum.’

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