Player Assessments: England Secure a Spot for the Upcoming Tournament
The national team secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable triumph over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
The Starting Lineup
- The goalkeeper β Pulled off a few of good saves in the latter period to preserve his remarkable clean sheet record. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The defender β Has adapted to international football seamlessly. Sterner tests are coming, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
- John Stones β Two matches in less than a week will do the City defender a lot of good. Remains one of the first names on the roster, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender β Chosen ahead of his competitor and was flawless. Executed an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
- Myles Lewis-Skelly β Appeared a somewhat ring rusty at times, expected given his lack of action at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star β Seems irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Appears suited to this level and has formed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice β Excelling in his attacking role. The mainstay of England's midfield is displaying his attacking abilities now. Emerging as a real all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward β Less influential as he has been in England's victories over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
- The winger β Provided an key pass to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The striker β At his peak. Increased his tally for the season to 20 strikes. Has found the net 76 goals for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon β Precise finish to get the ball rolling for England here in the Latvian capital. Has performed admirably during this international window. 7.5
Subs' Impact
- The veteran (for Rice 60) β Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) β Excellently taken goal and a menace. 7
- The winger (for Saka 60) β Faces competition on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) β As you'd expect, handled everything with his height. 6
- The forward (for Gordon 71) β A quick burst down the left stood out. 6
With a World Cup spot booked, England can now focus for next summer with confidence.