For the last few seasons, Petr Cech has probably been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the world. The Czech Republic’s progress in Euro 2008 will be greatly enhanced by Cech’s presence in goal. He provides stability and consistency and this harbors a belief among the players that because of Cech they are not likely to concede.

Cech’s strength is his decision making and composure under pressure. Time after time, Cech has reduced pressure on his defense by catching the ball in a crowded penalty area. He is a goalkeeper that commended respect in his penalty area and his defenders respond to this.

He began his professional career playing for a local Czech Republic team, FK Chmel Blsany before moving to Sparta Prague in 2001. During this season, Cech’s performances in the Champions League grabbed the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs. In 2002 he transferred to French club Rennes and helped to secure their top league status.

Euro 2004 provided Cech with a platform to showcase is talents at the highest level. This he achieved when he was named in the team of the tournament and subsequently he secured a big move to English Premier League club Chelsea.

Since then Cech’s career has gone from strength to strength. Under Jose Mourinho he established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world with a series of solid performances. He holds the record for longest period of time without conceding a goal in the Premier League (1,025 minutes) and a record 25 clean sheets in a season.

With Chelsea, Cech has won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, the League Cup in 2005 and 2007 and the FA Cup in 2007.

Cech has been the Czech Republic number one goalkeeper since Euro 2004. His impressive performances helped his team to the semi-finals before they lost to eventual winners Greece. In 2007 he surpassed 50 caps and also captained the team in the absence of Tomas Rosicky.

In the last two seasons Cech has been very unfortunate with injuries. He suffered a fractured skull in a league match against Reading in October 2006 and he needed 50 stitches after a training ground collision with a team mate this season. Despite this he remains one of the best goalkeepers around and his presence will be a huge benefit to the Czech Republic in Euro 2008.