Squad Assessments: England Qualify for 2026 World Cup
England clinched their berth at the next World Cup with a decisive triumph over their opponents on the midweek fixture.
First Eleven Performance
- The goalkeeper – Made a couple of fine stops in the second half to preserve his impressive clean sheet run. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The full-back – Has taken to international football seamlessly. Sterner tests lie ahead, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- John Stones – Two games in a short span will do the City defender a world of good. Still one of the key players on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Selected ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – Looked a little ring rusty at times, expected given his scarce minutes at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
- The midfielder – Seems essential in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has struck up an strong partnership with Rice. 7
- The midfielder – Thriving in his number eight role. The mainstay of England's midfield is demonstrating his attacking abilities now. Becoming a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over other teams. The answer will come next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Arsenal's star – Contributed an setup to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The striker – At his peak. Boosted his total for the season to 20 strikes. Has scored 76 goals for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Sharp finish to open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a menace. 7
- West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
- Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, handled everything aerially. 6
- Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left was noticeable. 6
With a World Cup spot booked, England can now prepare for next summer with optimism.