Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Book Their Place for the Next World Cup
Gareth Southgate's side earned their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
The Starting Lineup
- Jordan Pickford – Made a few of excellent stops in the latter period to extend his remarkable clean sheet record. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Seems at home in international football with ease. Sterner tests lie ahead, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in a short span will do the City defender a world of good. Remains one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of the other option and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
- The young defender – Appeared a slightly off the pace at times, understandable given his limited game time at his club. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Looks irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Seems made for this level and has developed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
- The midfielder – Excelling in his number eight role. The pillar of England's midfield is showing his creative abilities now. Emerging as a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Not as impactful as he has been in England's successes over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Provided an setup to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- Harry Kane – In the form of his life. Took his count for the season to 20 strikes. Has found the net 76 occasions for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
- Newcastle's attacker – Clinical finish to start things off for England here in the Latvian capital. Has acquitted himself well during this international window. 7.5
Subs' Impact
- The experienced midfielder (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) – Faces competition on his hands to be selected when everyone's fit. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – Predictably, managed everything with his height. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left stood out. 6
With a World Cup spot booked, the team can now focus for next summer with confidence.