---
title: "Lukas Hornicek starts for Czechia after becoming Newcastle No.1"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2026/09/26/lukas-hornicek-czechia-start-newcastle-croatia/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2026-09-26T18:40:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-10T21:45:25Z"
---

# Lukas Hornicek starts for Czechia after becoming Newcastle No.1

Lukas Hornicek has been handed another senior international opportunity after being named in Czechia’s starting XI against Croatia.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper starts Saturday night’s Nations League opener at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm BST.

[The confirmed Czechia team sheet](https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/watch-czechia-v-croatia-live-stream-online-tv-channel/blt4f7a8c948b5710f0) places Hornicek behind a defence including former Premier League full-back Vladimir Coufal.

It continues an impressive few months for the 24-year-old following his summer move to St James’ Park.

## Lukas Hornicek earns Czechia start after Newcastle breakthrough

Hornicek has quickly established himself as Matthias Jaissle’s first-choice goalkeeper at Newcastle.

His international start comes on the same day fresh details emerged about the deal that took him from Braga to Tyneside.

Braga president Antonio Salvador revealed that [Newcastle paid €30.57million to sign Hornicek](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/09/26/lukas-hornicek-newcastle-transfer-fee-release-clause/), slightly above the goalkeeper’s €30m release clause.

Hornicek has also explained that [Newcastle’s plan to make him their No.1](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/09/24/lukas-hornicek-newcastle-transfer-promise-number-one/) played a decisive role in his move to England.

Saturday provides a significant test against a Croatia side containing Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.

[Newcastle’s international tracker](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/09/22/newcastle-united-three-week-break-international-duty/) will be updated with Hornicek’s result and performance after full-time.

Another strong display would continue a positive opening to the season for a goalkeeper whose responsibilities have grown rapidly at both club and international level.