🔗 Share this article

England earned their spot at the next World Cup with a decisive win over Latvia on the midweek fixture.

First Eleven Performance

• Jordan Pickford – Made a few of fine stops in the latter period to preserve his impressive clean sheet record. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
• The full-back – Seems at home in international football with ease. More challenging tests are coming, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
• The defender – Two games in a short span will do the City defender a great benefit. Still one of the automatic picks on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
• Aston Villa's defender – Selected ahead of Marc Guehi and was flawless. Made an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
• Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a somewhat ring rusty at times, understandable given his lack of action at his club. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
• Newcastle's star – Appears essential in this England team at the moment. Seems made for this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
• Declan Rice – Thriving in his number eight role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his creative 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 leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
• The winger – Added an setup to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
• The captain – Playing brilliantly. Increased his count for the season to 20 scores. Has scored 76 occasions for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
• The forward – Precise finish to open the scoring for England here in the Latvian capital. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5

The Bench Players

• The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a menace. 7
• The winger (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to earn a place when everyone's fit. 6
• Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, handled everything in the air. 6
• Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left caught the eye. 6

After their place confirmed, England can now prepare for the upcoming tournament with confidence.