Player Assessments: England Secure a Spot for the Upcoming Tournament
England clinched their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
First Eleven Performance
- England's number one – Pulled off a couple of excellent stops in the latter period to preserve his remarkable clean sheet run. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The full-back – Has adapted to international football seamlessly. More challenging tests lie ahead, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- The defender – Two matches in a short span will do the City defender a great benefit. Still one of the key players on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Picked ahead of Marc Guehi and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- The young defender – Looked a little ring rusty at times, understandable given his limited game time at his club. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- The midfielder – Looks essential in this England team at the moment. Appears tailored for this level and has struck up an strong partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Enjoying his advanced midfield role. The backbone of England's midfield is demonstrating his creative abilities now. Becoming a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Arsenal's star – Provided an key pass to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
- The striker – At his peak. Took his count for the season to 20 scores. Has found the net 76 times for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
- Newcastle's attacker – Clinical finish to get the ball rolling for England here in away. Has performed admirably during this break. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
- Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a threat. 7
- The winger (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6
- Newcastle's full-back (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 was noticeable. 6
With their place booked, England can now turn their attention for next summer with high hopes.