Squad Assessments: England Secure a Spot for the Next World Cup

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

The Starting Lineup

• England's number one – Pulled off a few of excellent saves in the latter period to extend his remarkable clean sheet run. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
• Djed Spence – Seems at home in international football seamlessly. Tougher tests are coming, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
• John Stones – A pair of fixtures in five days will do the City defender a great benefit. Remains one of the key players on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• Aston Villa's defender – Chosen ahead of his competitor and was flawless. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
• The young defender – Looked a somewhat ring rusty at times, understandable given his limited game time at Arsenal. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
• Elliott Anderson – Seems essential in this England team at the moment. Seems suited to this level and has developed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
• Arsenal's engine – Enjoying his attacking role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his offensive abilities now. Emerging as a true all-round midfielder. 7
• The forward – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over previous opponents. We should find out next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
• The winger – Added an setup to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
• The striker – In the form of his life. Increased his count for the season to 20 goals. Has found the net 76 occasions for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
• Newcastle's attacker – Precise finish to open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this international window. 7.5

Subs' Impact

• The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
• Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a menace. 7
• Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
• Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, handled everything in the air. 6
• Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left was noticeable. 6

After qualification secured, the team can now prepare for next summer with confidence.