England confirmed their qualification for next summer’s World Cup by delivering a commanding performance against Latvia in Riga. The team, needing a win to guarantee their place, never looked in danger as they outplayed the 137th-ranked side.
Despite the celebrations, the evening had moments of tension for head coach Thomas Tuchel. Some England supporters voiced their frustration, chanting in response to Tuchel’s earlier comments about “silent” fans following the friendly against Wales at Wembley.
The overall achievement, however, is clear: England booked their World Cup spot with two matches still remaining in the qualifying campaign. Tuchel, who took over from Sir Gareth Southgate in January, has guided the team through a flawless first series of qualifiers.
Goals from Kane and Gordon underline dominance
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring after 26 minutes with a precise low shot. Captain Harry Kane then added two more before halftime, first with a strike from distance and then from the penalty spot after his shirt was pulled.
The lead was extended when Latvia’s Andrejs Ciganiks inadvertently turned Djed Spence’s cross into his own goal just before the hour mark. Later, substitute Eberechi Eze completed the scoring, finishing a solo run to make it 5-0 after 86 minutes.
This emphatic win highlights England’s attacking and defensive balance. Kane, in particular, now has 76 goals in 110 appearances, emphasizing his continuing importance as the team’s leader.
Perfect qualifying record and growing confidence
England have now scored 13 unanswered goals in their last three games, showcasing their attacking fluidity. Tuchel’s tenure began cautiously, but the 5-0 victory in Serbia marked a turning point, revealing a sharper, more cohesive side.
While the qualifying group may not have posed the sternest test, England’s six wins from six matches, without conceding a single goal, remain an impressive accomplishment. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also extended his run of international clean sheets to nine, contributing to the team’s defensive solidity.
With their World Cup place secured, Tuchel can approach the remaining qualifiers against Serbia and Albania as opportunities to experiment and further prepare the squad. Phase one of his mission—reaching the World Cup—is complete, and the next challenge will be to transform this form into success on the global stage.