England made it six wins from six World Cup qualifying matches as the win over Latvia in Riga ensures the Three Lions will make the trip to America, Canada and Mexico to end 60 years of hurt
England thumped Latvia 5-0 to officially book their place in next summer’s World Cup. Thomas Tuchel was hired with the explicit remit of ending 60 years of hurt at next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
But the first part was getting England there in the first place. The first part of that tasked can now be emphatically ticked off with Tuchel’s charges the first European team to wrap up qualification.
England headed to Riga knowing a win would be enough to give them an unassailable lead at the top of Group K. And goals from Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, two from Harry Kane and a Maksims Tonisevs own goal delivered that, with now full focus on the serious stuff in nine months’ time.
Latvia promised to try and spoil England’s party – but their resistance lasted only 26 minutes, when Gordon ran untouched down the left before cutting in and finding the bottom corner.
Kane doubled the lead with goal number 75 for his country, before he made it three in first-half stoppage time when he fired in a penalty after a VAR check. It was little more than an exhibition after the break, with Latvia putting in their own net to extend the lead further.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford shows true feelings with four-word answer to Man Utd questionREAD MORE: England fans make their point with Thomas Tuchel chants minutes into Latvia game
The Mirror’s Chief Football Writer John Cross was in attendance at the Daugava Stadium and here’s how he rated the England players…
England (4-3-3)
Jordan Pickford 7 – Surprisingly was made to work – and sweat – for another clean sheet. So reliable.
Djed Spence 7 – His versatility may get him on the plane. As accomplished at right back as left.
John Stones 7 – His assist for Gordon’s opener was top class and why he remains a must.
Ezri Konsa 7 – One of Tuchel’s favourites – and easy to see why. One brilliant tackle.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 6 – Got himself a first half rollicking for being out of position. Work to do.
Elliot Anderson 7 – He’s on the plane. Has slotted into England’s midfield very well. Impressed.
Declan Rice 6 – His set pieces caused Latvia big problems. Guaranteed for next summer.
Bukayo Saka 7 – Nice trickery and skill from the right but Latvia stuck to him like glue.
Morgan Rogers 6 – Very quiet and subdued. It is going to be huge battle with Jude Bellingham.
Anthony Gordon 7 – Scored a lovely opener and has done himself a power of good in this camp.
Harry Kane 8 – Two goals, led by example and still England’s main man. What a player.
Substitutes
J Henderson, for Rice, 60 mins, 6
Bowen, for Saka, 60 mins, 6
Eze, for Rogers, 60 mins, – Scored clinically into the bottom corner 7
Rashford, for Gordon, 71 mins 6
Burn, for Stones, 71 mins 6
Unused substitutes: D Henderson, Trafford, Guehi, Rashford, Burn, Gibbs-White, O’Reilly, Loftus-Cheek.
Man of the match: Harry Kane – England’s unstoppable goal machine. What a leader.
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