🔗 Share this article

Gareth Southgate's side earned their place at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable win over their opponents on the midweek fixture.

First Eleven Performance

• The goalkeeper – Made a few of good stops in the second half to extend his remarkable clean sheet run. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
• The full-back – Seems at home in international football like a duck to water. Tougher tests are coming, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
• Manchester City's centre-back – Two games in a short span will do the Manchester City defender a lot of good. Remains one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• The centre-back – Picked ahead of the other option and performed solidly. Executed an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
• The young defender – Looked a slightly ring rusty at times, understandable given his lack of action at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6
• Newcastle's star – Seems irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Looks 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 displaying his attacking abilities now. Emerging as a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
• The forward – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over previous opponents. We should find out next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
• The winger – Provided an key pass to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
• The striker – In the form of his life. Took his total for the season to 20 goals. Has scored 76 occasions for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
• Newcastle's attacker – Precise finish to open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this international window. 7.5

England Substitutes

• The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a menace. 7
• West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to be selected when the squad is full. 6
• The defender (for Stones 71) – Typically, handled everything in the air. 6
• The forward (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left was noticeable. 6

After their place confirmed, the team can now turn their attention for the World Cup with high hopes.