Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Gareth Southgate's side secured their berth at the global tournament with a comfortable triumph over the Baltic side on the midweek fixture.

England's Starting XI

• The goalkeeper – Pulled off a few of good saves in the second half to extend his impressive clean sheet streak. It's now nine in a row. 6.5
• Djed Spence – Has adapted to international football like a duck to water. Sterner tests lie ahead, 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 lot of good. Still one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
• Ezri Konsa – Picked ahead of Marc Guehi and performed solidly. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
• Arsenal's talent – Looked a slightly off the pace at times, understandable given his scarce minutes at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
• Elliott Anderson – Looks irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Appears tailored for this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
• Arsenal's engine – Enjoying his attacking role. The mainstay of England's midfield is displaying his attacking abilities now. Becoming a real all-round midfielder. 7
• Morgan Rogers – Not as impactful as he has been in England's wins over previous opponents. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Arsenal's star – Contributed an setup to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
• The striker – Playing brilliantly. Took his count for the season to 20 strikes. Has hit the back of the net 76 goals for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
• Anthony Gordon – Precise finish to open the scoring for England here in the Latvian capital. Has performed admirably during this break. 7.5

Subs' Impact

• The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
• Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a danger. 7
• Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
• Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Predictably, dealt with everything with his height. 6
• Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left was noticeable. 6

After qualification confirmed, the team can now turn their attention for next summer with optimism.