Player Assessments: The Three Lions Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Gareth Southgate's side clinched their place at the next World Cup with a convincing triumph over the Baltic side on Tuesday night.

England's Starting XI

• The goalkeeper – Made a couple of good stops in the latter period to maintain his remarkable clean sheet record. That's nine in a row. 6.5
• The full-back – Has adapted to international football with ease. More challenging tests await, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
• Manchester City's centre-back – Two games in five days will do the City defender a world of good. Remains one of the automatic picks on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
• The centre-back – Selected ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
• Arsenal's talent – Appeared a somewhat not at his best at times, expected given his scarce minutes at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
• Elliott Anderson – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has struck up an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
• The midfielder – Enjoying his number eight role. The pillar of England's midfield is demonstrating his offensive abilities now. Emerging as a true all-round midfielder. 7
• The attacker – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over Serbia and Wales. We should find out next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Arsenal's star – Added an key pass to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
• Harry Kane – Playing brilliantly. Increased his tally for the season to 20 strikes. Has found the net 76 occasions for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
• Newcastle's attacker – Sharp finish to open the scoring for England here in the Latvian capital. Has acquitted himself well during this international window. 7.5

The Bench Players

• The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a danger. 7
• West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to be selected when the squad is full. 6
• Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Typically, handled everything aerially. 6
• Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6

With qualification booked, England can now turn their attention for the upcoming tournament with optimism.