Player Assessments: The Three Lions Secure a Spot for 2026 World Cup

Gareth Southgate's side clinched their place at the global tournament with a decisive victory over their opponents on the midweek fixture.

England's Starting XI

• Jordan Pickford – Made a few of good stops in the latter period to extend his impressive clean sheet record. That's nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
• The full-back – Has taken to international football seamlessly. Tougher tests await, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
• John Stones – Two matches in a short span will do the City defender a world of good. Remains one of the key players on the roster, fitness permitting. 7
• Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
• Myles Lewis-Skelly – Looked a slightly off the pace at times, understandable given his limited game time 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 developed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
• The midfielder – Enjoying his attacking role. The backbone of England's midfield is displaying his creative abilities now. Becoming a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
• The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's successes over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Bukayo Saka – Contributed an key pass to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
• The captain – Playing brilliantly. Boosted his tally for the season to 20 goals. Has hit the back of the net 76 occasions for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
• Newcastle's attacker – Clinical 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 experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
• Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a danger. 7
• West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to be selected when all are available. 6
• The defender (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, dealt with everything aerially. 6
• Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left stood out. 6

With qualification booked, the squad can now focus for next summer with confidence.