England won six of their six World Cup qualifying matches, with victory over Latvia in Riga securing the Three Lions a trip to America, Canada and Mexico to end a 60-year blemish.
A football enthusiast who spends much of his life on the highway, watching games all over the country. Passionate about soccer, work and mirrors. I have always believed that the Premier League is the best in the world and that England have a chance. Author of Arsene Wenger: The Inside Story of Arsenal Under Wenger.
England defeated Latvia 5-0 to officially qualify for next summer’s World Cup. Thomas Tuchel was appointed with a clear mission to end 60 years of hurt at next year’s tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
But the first part was getting England there in the first place. The first part of that task could be highlighted by Tuchel being responsible for becoming the first European team to qualify.
England headed to Riga knowing that if they won, they would be firmly at the top of Group K. Goals from Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, a brace from Harry Kane and an own goal from Maksims Tonisev delivered the result, with the Reds now fully committed to the big game nine months later.
Latvia promised to try and spoil England’s side, but their resistance lasted only 26 minutes, with Gordon running unscathed down the left and cutting in to find the bottom corner.
Kane extended his country’s lead to two points with his 75th goal, and in first-half stoppage time he converted a penalty after a VAR check to make it three points. The break was just a show, with Latvia scoring an own goal to further extend their lead.
read more: Marcus Rashford shows how he really feels by answering Man United’s question in four wordsread more: England fans make their point with Thomas Tuchel chants in minutes of game against Latvia
John Cross, the Mirror’s chief football writer, was present at the Daugava Stadium and gave his assessment of England’s players.
England (4-3-3)
Jordan Pickford 7 – Surprisingly worked his way to another clean sheet and sweated it out. Very reliable.
Jed Spence 7 – His versatility might get him on the plane. The right rear and left sides were equally accomplished.
John Stones 7 – His assist on Gordon’s opener was top class and why he remains essential.
Ezri Konsa 7 – One of Tuchel’s favorites – it’s easy to see why. One of the best tackles.
Miles Lewis-Skelly 6 – Had a blast getting out of position in the first half. work to do.
Elliot Anderson 7 – He’s on a plane. He fits well into England’s midfield. I was impressed.
Declan Rice 6 – His set pieces caused Latvia big problems. Guaranteed until next summer.
Bukayo Saka 7 – Great tricks and skill from the right, but Latvia stuck to him like glue.
Morgan Rogers 6 – Very quiet and calm atmosphere. It’s going to be a big fight with Jude Bellingham.
Anthony Gordon 7 – Scored a great first goal and showed great power this camp.
Harry Kane 8 – 2 goals, leads by example and remains England’s main player. What a player.
substitute
J Henderson, Rice, 60 minutes, 6
Bowen to Saka, 60 minutes, 6
Eze, on behalf of Rodgers, 60 minutes – clinically scored in the bottom corner 7
Rashford, for Gordon, 71 minutes 6
Byrne, for the Stones, 71 minutes 6
Unused substitutes: D. Henderson, Trafford, Guehi, Rashford, Byrne, Gibbs-White, O’Reilly, Loftus-Cheek.
Man of the Match: Harry Kane – England’s unstoppable goal machine. What a leader.
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