Credit: Breaking Media

Daniel Lewis

Wed 25 March 2026 16:10, UK

Tomas Soucek looks set to be dropped by Czechia over the international break in what could be a blessing in disguise for West Ham United.

The 31-year-old has been capped 87 times by his country and has been voted Czechia’s Player of the Year four separate times.

However, Soucek is at the centre of a messy situation for his national side due to himself and some of his team-mates not thanking fans after November’s win over Gibraltar.

Soucek may now face further misery as, having been stripped of the captain’s armband for Thursday’s World Cup qualifying playoff against Republic of Ireland, he may even be dropped altogether.

In a way, that would be good news for Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of West Ham’s FA Cup quarter-final tie against Leeds United in 11 days’ time.

Tomas Soucek could be dropped for Czechia’s clash vs Republic of Ireland

The Sun reports that new manager Miroslav Koubek is being tipped to leave Soucek out of his starting XI altogether against Ireland.

That is based on what has been seen at Czechia’s training camp this week, with a different midfield three seemingly preferred.

While it is not nice to see Soucek, one of West Ham’s greatest ever signings, being snubbed like this, it does ultimately benefit the Hammers.

Czechia will have another game to come this window – either a qualifying showdown against Denmark or North Macedonia – or a friendly.

It may well be that Soucek is overlooked for both, keeping him nice and fresh for when West Ham take on Leeds.

Beyond that, a crucial final run-in awaits in the Irons’ battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Soucek set to play important part in West Ham fight for survival

Soucek has been used 28 times in the Premier League this season, starting 17 of those matches.

The 31-year-old midfielder remains a key player under Nuno Espirito Santo and that will no change, regardless of his Czechia woes.

As a reminder, West Ham have seven Premier League games remaining – and possible three in the FA Cup – once they return to action.

Nuno needs all hands on deck and a player of Soucek’s experience, and indeed love for the club, will prove invaluable.

The hope is that Soucek comes back fully fit, along with all the other West Ham players who have flown off across the globe, in time for the first of those clashes with Leeds.