🔗 Share this article

England clinched their place at the 2026 World Cup with a convincing victory over their opponents on Tuesday evening.

England's Starting XI

• England's number one – Made a couple of good saves in the latter period to maintain his impressive clean sheet streak. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
• The defender – Has adapted to international football with ease. More challenging tests are coming, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
• John Stones – Two games in less than a week will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
• Aston Villa's defender – Selected ahead of his competitor and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
• Arsenal's talent – Looked a somewhat off the pace at times, understandable given his limited game time at his club. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
• Newcastle's star – Appears essential in this England team at the moment. Seems tailored for this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
• Declan Rice – Enjoying his number eight role. The backbone of England's midfield is displaying his creative abilities now. Developing into a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
• Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over other teams. We should find out next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
• The winger – Contributed an setup to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
• The captain – At his peak. Boosted his total for the season to 20 goals. Has scored 76 occasions for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
• The forward – Clinical finish to open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has done a good job during this break. 7.5

England Substitutes

• Jordan Henderson (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a menace. 7
• Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to be selected when the squad is full. 6
• The defender (for Stones 71) – Predictably, handled everything in the air. 6
• Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left stood out. 6

With their place secured, England can now turn their attention for the World Cup with optimism.