Player Assessments: England Qualify for 2026 World Cup

England secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable win over the Baltic side on the midweek fixture.

First Eleven Performance

  • England's number one – Pulled off a couple of excellent saves in the second half to maintain his remarkable clean sheet streak. It's now nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
  • The full-back – Seems at home in international football like a duck to water. Sterner tests await, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
  • John Stones – Two matches in five days will do the City defender a lot of good. Remains one of the key players on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
  • Aston Villa's defender – Chosen ahead of the other option and was flawless. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
  • Arsenal's talent – Looked a somewhat ring rusty at times, expected given his lack of action at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
  • The midfielder – Appears irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Seems made for this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
  • Arsenal's engine – Excelling in his attacking role. The pillar of England's midfield is displaying his attacking abilities now. Emerging as a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
  • Morgan Rogers – Not as impactful as he has been in England's victories over other teams. It will be revealed next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
  • Bukayo Saka – Contributed an key pass to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
  • Harry Kane – Playing brilliantly. Took his total for the season to 20 scores. Has scored 76 occasions for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
  • The forward – Precise finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5

England Substitutes

  • The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
  • Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a danger. 7
  • The winger (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to make the squad when all are available. 6
  • The defender (for Stones 71) – Typically, managed everything aerially. 6
  • Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left stood out. 6

After qualification confirmed, the team can now focus for the upcoming tournament with optimism.

Michelle Beard
Michelle Beard

A seasoned automotive journalist with a passion for classic cars and modern innovations, sharing insights and stories from the road.