Czech Republic have to overcome the absence of star midfielder Tomas Rosicky in order to book a place in the last 16 of the Euro 2016, according to goalkeeper Petr Cech.

This could be the last major tournament for the former Chelsea goalkeeper and he wants to make the most out of it. After a disastrous start to the tournament, Czech Republic have everything to play for in the final game against Turkey. They narrowly lost the opening game of the tournament to Spain before going on to achieve a 2-2 draw with Croatia in the previous game.

Qualifying for the last 16 of the competition still remains within Czech Republic’s hands, but they are severely handicapped by the absence of former Arsenal midfielderRosicky.

He may have played very little football in recent years, but the veteran remains an integral part of the team. He brings the vital creativity that is so required for the national team. However, he has been ruled out of the Euro 2016 with a muscular injury suffered in the draw with Croatia. Even if Czech Republic managed to get into the next round of the competition, they will face an even bigger task to qualify further without the presence ofRosicky in the team.

“Obviously Tomas is a big loss, he is one of our key players, but the other players will have to step up.Our biggest strength is the team play, we don’t have big stars, but our togetherness and spirit is our biggest strength, so as a team we will have to make up for his loss and now other players will have a chance to show they cando it. If we want to qualify and not wait for other teams, then we have to win,” said the former Chelsea goalkeeper.