Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Book Their Place for the Next World Cup

England secured their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a decisive win over Latvia on Tuesday evening.

First Eleven Performance

  • England's number one – Pulled off a few of excellent stops in the latter period to extend his impressive clean sheet run. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
  • Djed Spence – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. More challenging tests lie ahead, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
  • Manchester City's centre-back – Two games in five days will do the City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the roster, fitness permitting. 7
  • The centre-back – Chosen ahead of Marc Guehi and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
  • Arsenal's talent – Appeared a little not at his best at times, expected given his lack of action at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6
  • Elliott Anderson – Appears irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Seems suited to this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
  • Arsenal's engine – Excelling in his attacking role. The mainstay of England's midfield is displaying his creative abilities now. Developing into a true all-round midfielder. 7
  • The attacker – Less influential as he has been in England's wins over previous opponents. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
  • Arsenal's star – Provided an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
  • Harry Kane – Playing brilliantly. Took his tally for the season to 20 scores. Has scored 76 times for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
  • Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to open the scoring for England here in the Latvian capital. Has performed admirably during this break. 7.5

Subs' Impact

  • The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
  • Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a threat. 7
  • West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6
  • Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, managed everything in the air. 6
  • Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left stood out. 6

With qualification secured, the squad can now focus for the World Cup with confidence.

Alexis Clark
Alexis Clark

Lena Schmidt is a Berlin-based journalist and political analyst with over a decade of experience covering European affairs.