Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament
Gareth Southgate's side clinched their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a decisive triumph over the Baltic side on Tuesday night.
First Eleven Performance
- Jordan Pickford – Made a few of good stops in the latter period to maintain his impressive clean sheet streak. It's now nine in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Seems at home in international football like a duck to water. Sterner tests lie ahead, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
- The defender – Two games in less than a week will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Remains one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Selected ahead of the other option and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- The young defender – Appeared a slightly ring rusty at times, expected given his limited game time at his club. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
- The midfielder – Appears irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Appears tailored for this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Excelling in his attacking role. The backbone of England's midfield is showing his attacking abilities now. Becoming a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Quieter as he has been in England's victories over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- The winger – Contributed an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- Harry Kane – At his peak. Increased his total for the season to 20 goals. Has hit the back of the net 76 occasions for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this fixture period. 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 danger. 7
- West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when all are available. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – Predictably, managed everything with his height. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left stood out. 6
With a World Cup spot confirmed, the team can now prepare for the World Cup with confidence.