Player Assessments: The Three Lions Book Their Place for the Upcoming Tournament
England clinched their place at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable win over their opponents on the midweek fixture.
The Starting Lineup
- England's number one – Made a few of good stops in the latter period to maintain his remarkable clean sheet record. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The full-back – Has adapted to international football like a duck to water. Tougher tests are coming, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
- The defender – A pair of fixtures in less than a week will do the City defender a great benefit. Still one of the key players on the roster, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Selected ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Made an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – Looked a somewhat ring rusty at times, expected given his limited game time at his club. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Appears made for this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Enjoying his number eight role. The mainstay of England's midfield is demonstrating his offensive abilities now. Developing into a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's successes over previous opponents. We should find out next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Provided an assist to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The captain – Playing brilliantly. Took his tally for the season to 20 strikes. Has scored 76 times for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to get the ball rolling for England here in the Latvian capital. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
- Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a menace. 7
- The winger (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
- Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Predictably, handled everything aerially. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left stood out. 6
After their place confirmed, the team can now turn their attention for next summer with optimism.