Player Assessments: England Qualify for 2026 World Cup
The national team earned their place at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable triumph over Latvia on the midweek fixture.
England's Starting XI
- Jordan Pickford – Made a couple of fine saves in the latter period to maintain his impressive clean sheet run. It's now nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
- Djed Spence – Has adapted to international football seamlessly. Tougher tests lie ahead, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
- John Stones – A pair of fixtures in a short span will do the City defender a great benefit. Still one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of Marc Guehi and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- The young defender – Looked a little ring rusty at times, expected given his scarce minutes at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- The midfielder – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- The midfielder – Enjoying his number eight role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his offensive abilities now. Becoming a true all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Provided an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
- Harry Kane – At his peak. Boosted his total for the season to 20 strikes. Has hit the back of the net 76 goals for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to get the ball rolling for England here in the Latvian capital. Has done a good job during this international window. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
- Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a danger. 7
- Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to be selected when everyone's fit. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – Predictably, dealt with everything in the air. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left stood out. 6
With their place booked, the squad can now turn their attention for the upcoming tournament with high hopes.