Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Secure a Spot for 2026 World Cup
Gareth Southgate's side clinched their spot at the next World Cup with a decisive win over the Baltic side on Tuesday evening.
First Eleven Performance
- England's number one – Pulled off a couple of fine stops in the latter period to preserve his impressive clean sheet record. That's nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Seems at home in international football seamlessly. More challenging tests lie ahead, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – Two games in five days will do the City defender a lot of good. Still one of the key players on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Selected ahead of his competitor and was flawless. Executed an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
- The young defender – Appeared a little off the pace at times, expected given his lack of action at his club. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Appears essential in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- Arsenal's engine – Enjoying his number eight role. The pillar of England's midfield is displaying his creative abilities now. Developing into a true all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Not as impactful as he has been in England's victories over other teams. We should find out next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Arsenal's star – Provided an key pass to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
- The captain – In the form of his life. Boosted his tally for the season to 20 strikes. Has scored 76 times for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Sharp finish to start things off for England here in the Latvian capital. Has acquitted himself well during this international window. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
- Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a threat. 7
- Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to be selected when the squad is full. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, managed everything with his height. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left caught the eye. 6
With their place booked, the team can now focus for the World Cup with confidence.