England produced a dominant show in Riga to seal a 5-0 win over Latvia and ensure their place on the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s aspect managed the match from the primary whistle, outclassing their hosts in each division and showcasing the ruthless edge that has outlined their qualifying marketing campaign.
The breakthrough got here within the twenty sixth minute when Anthony Gordon, who had been vigorous from the beginning, minimize inside from the left and curled a low strike into the underside nook for his second England objective.
Latvia’s transient makes an attempt to counter had been swiftly stifled, and the gulf in high quality quickly advised once more earlier than half-time.
A free move out from the again allowed Bukayo Saka to search out Harry Kane, who curled an effort past Zviedris from exterior the world to double the lead.
Moments later, the Bayern Munich striker grabbed his second of the night time, changing a penalty after Antonijs Cernomordijs had been penalised for tugging his shirt contained in the field.
Main 3-0 on the break, England by no means seemed at risk. Latvia tried to carry the fort after the restart however had been undone by one other defensive lapse.
Within the 58th minute, Djed Spence’s cross from the suitable triggered chaos within the space, and substitute Maksims Tonisevs inadvertently turned the ball into his personal web to make it 4-0.
Tuchel took the chance to make a number of adjustments across the hour mark, introducing Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, and Jordan Henderson to handle minutes and hold the tempo excessive.
Eze was rewarded 4 minutes from time when Bowen’s intelligent move discovered him on the left. The Arsenal playmaker minimize inside and curled into the underside nook – his second worldwide objective, each coming towards Latvia.
Latvia’s finest second got here late on by means of substitute Kristaps Grabovskis, however his shot was comfortably blocked by Dan Burn, who had changed John Stones earlier within the half.
Kane, with 76 objectives for his nation, continues to chase data, whereas Gordon and Eze additional enhanced their rising reputations on the worldwide stage.
The consequence not solely confirmed England’s qualification but in addition reaffirmed their credentials as critical contenders for subsequent summer time’s match in america.
