Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
England Latvia have secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after a convincing 5-0 win.
harry kane Put the ball in the net within 30 seconds and while the flag quickly went up ruling it out for offside, it served as a sign of things to come on a dominant night in Riga.
it was Anthony Gordon Who broke the deadlock for the Three Lions, cutting inside before firing into the far corner, before Kane produced a similarly clinical finish to double their lead.
The England captain then made his tally two from the spot in first-half stoppage time, with a penalty before the interval putting the result beyond doubt.
Jade SpenceA superb cross brought England’s fourth of the night close to the hour mark as Maxim Tonisev had already knocked into his own net back seat Put the icing on the cake with your goal four minutes from time.
England’s players rated the 5–0 win in Riga as follows:
Jordan Pickford, 6
It was completely inactive for the first hour as England controlled the ball. His only real concern at night was keeping himself warm in the rain. He was finally called into action as he made a routine stop in the 68th minute, just minutes after he had almost blown a clearance outside his own box.
Jade Spence, 8
A useful asset on the overlap when traveling forward and did what he needed to do at the back, performing better in his duel with Andrzej Ciganics when covering his right side. Instigated England’s fourth, hitting an accurate cross that bounced past Maksims Tonisievs.
Ezri Konsa, 8
Latvia were deemed the guilty party when they optimistically appealed for a penalty after the Aston Villa defender was hit on the arm by the ball. There wasn’t really anything he could do about it and the referee rightly waved it off. He subsequently moved out of position to let Gutkowski slip past him, but just as he was about to go flying, he produced a brilliant recovery tackle to ensure no damage was done.
John Stones, 7
Called into action to defend a wonderful delivery into the box from the right, he proved equal as he nodded. When asked, he did what he was supposed to do, defensively. Subbed.
Miles Lewis-Skelley, 5
Most of Latvia’s limited threat came in their favour, often failing to defend the whippy crosses which caused England most of the trouble during the first half. The pace remained slow for most of the competition. Unless he finds support again at Arsenal, this could be his last England appearance for some time.
Declan Rice, 7
The man who often wins possession for England in the middle of the park looked to be in some pain as he appeared to be attacked by Latvia’s legs. Strong distribution and consistent with the quality of his crosses. Subbed.
Elliot Anderson, 8
Another encouraging performance from the relative England newbie, showing himself to be comfortable on the ball and not afraid to push the play forward. Combined intricately with Rodgers to create a shooting opportunity in the box, which he could only push wide.
Bukayo to, 7
Rodgers linked up well, but his end product was not always there, as England looked for an opening batsman. Still as determined as ever and got a booking from Balodis after winning the ball back on the edge of the Latvia box. Kane was the first provider, although settled down after the break as Spence did more damage down the right. Subbed.
Morgan Rogers, 6
Quiet for the most part but showed signs of life while providing a quick release in the final third. Tried to show strange cunning, tried to penetrate Latvia’s defense but got mixed success. Subbed.
Anthony Gordon, 8
Starting on the front foot on the left, he proved troublesome for Latvia’s defense as he flooded their box with crosses. Often the man in white provides the inspiration and flair for attack, it was no surprise that he was the deadlock breaker for England, cutting inside and volleying brilliantly into the far corner. The intensity was maintained until his numbers increased. Subbed.
Harry Kane, 9
He had the ball in the net within 30 seconds, but then his blistering opener was ruled out for offside. The England captain will miss a rare sitter, who was volleying wide from close range. But in the form he is in – he has scored 18 goals in 10 games for Bayern this season – it won’t take him long to find the net. He drilled clinically into England’s second, giving them the breathing space that confirmed the Three Lions’ qualification for next summer’s World Cup. Just minutes later he won England a penalty – with his shirt almost pulled off his back – which he converted to put the result beyond any doubt. It was unfortunate that he could not take a hat-trick until the game continued. A captain’s performance.
substitute player
Jordan Henderson (for Rice, 60′), 6
The Brentford man is still in the England squad and has done a good job of controlling the midfield – not that Latvia ever threatened to take control themselves.
Royalty (to Rodgers, 60′), 8
A beautifully worked corner architect that fell at the feet of Kane – unlucky not to get any assistance as the skipper’s effort was well saved. However, he conceded a goal by tip-toeing into the box before firing his finish into the far corner. An impressive cameo.
Jorods Bones (to safe, 60′), 7
Linked up well with Andersson and was almost played in by the Nottingham Forest midfielder, but the Latvia forward cut out the chance. Provided the assist for fellow substitute Eze’s goal.
Dan Byrne (for Stones, 71′), 7
Helped keep England’s clean sheet, coming up with a potential goal-saving block before the clock reached 90. Solid.
Marcus Rashford (for Gordon, 71′), 7
Lively down the left after his introduction, unafraid to drive at his man and test Latvia’s defense with crosses.