Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Secure a Spot for the Next World Cup
England earned their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable victory over their opponents on Tuesday evening.
England's Starting XI
- England's number one – Made a couple of good stops in the second half to extend his remarkable clean sheet record. That's nine in a row. 6.5
- Djed Spence – Has taken to international football seamlessly. More challenging tests await, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – Two matches in five days will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Chosen ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Made an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – Looked a little off the pace at times, expected given his lack of action at Arsenal. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Seems undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks tailored for this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
- Arsenal's engine – Thriving in his advanced midfield role. The backbone of England's midfield is displaying his offensive abilities now. Becoming a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- Morgan Rogers – Quieter as he has been in England's victories over other teams. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Arsenal's star – Added an key pass to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
- The captain – In the form of his life. Took his count for the season to 20 goals. Has scored 76 goals 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 break. 7.5
The Bench Players
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a threat. 7
- West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to earn a place when everyone's fit. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – Predictably, managed everything in the air. 6
- Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left caught the eye. 6
After their place booked, the team can now prepare for the upcoming tournament with confidence.