Vladimír Coufal joined West Ham United from Slavia Prague, just after Tomas Soucek had made the same move. He went on to be a star right-back for the Hammers, playing 180 times and providing 20 assists.
Coufal was also part of the West Ham side that won the Europa Conference League in 2023. However, just two years later, the player was released. There were rumours of a possible move to Turkey, but he ended up at Hoffenheim.
The Czech Republic international has shone with the German side, playing 41 times, scoring once, and providing 11 assists. West Ham could have done with him last season, especially with Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of form.
It was one of many strange decisions during Graham Potter's tenure that inevitably contributed to the Hammers being relegated. Coufal is now 34, and he is still a quality player but he is expected to miss the match against England tonight.
CT sport has reported (translated from Czech), "Czechia’s national team will be missing defender Vladimír Coufal in the Nations League match against England due to health issues."
Coufal has 66 caps for the Czech Republic, where he has scored twice and provided 14 assists. He captained them in their recent 2-1 defeat to Croatia in the Nations League. However, reportedly missed training yesterday.
The Czech Republic have had a strong West Ham contingent
Also on the Czech Republic side is Alex Král, who came on loan to West Ham from Spartak Moscow. However, he played just six times for the Hammers. There will also be no Tomas Soucek, as he was not included in their squad while he recovers from his injury.
The England team does not have any West Ham players. Jarrod Bowen faces an almost impossible task of making Thomas Tuchel's squad whilst playing in the Championship. There will also be no former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. The now-Arsenal player pulled out of the Three Lions' squad due to load management.
Tonight's match is in Fortuna Arena, Prague, which is where Coufal won the Conference League with West Ham. It is also the home ground of his former club, Slavia Prague. This is one of two editions between the Czech Republic and England this international break, as they play at Wembley the following Tuesday too.
Coufal never wanted to leave West Ham, and it was difficult for him and his family to move as his son was also a part of the club's academy. He remains a big supporter of West Ham. Coufal posted on X after the club was relegated: "I will be FOREVER blowing bubbles, till I fade and die. Now it hurts but I am 100 percent sure first game of new season fans will be here again, London stadium will be full cheering for Claret and Blue army. COYI."
The Bundesliga is not watched that much in England, where the Premier League dominates. Many West Ham fans will be disappointed not to see Coufal in action against the Three Lions tonight. However, they may get the opportunity to do so next week in the match at Wembley.
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