Latvia 0 – 5 England

England galloped to their eighth successive World Cup as Thomas Tuchel’s improving side beat Latvia 5-0 in Riga to become the first European team to qualify, with two matches remaining.

The Three Lions easily beat their Baltic opponents in their first-ever meeting and, for the third game in a row, led 3-0 at half-time, with hopes of next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The irrepressible Harry Kane played a big part in their half-time domination with a quickfire double, first curling in from the edge of the box before adding a penalty which he won himself with the help of a VAR review for his 76th international goal.

Once again, England enjoyed near total domination and did not face the same difficulties in some of Tuchel’s previous games in breaking down their defensive opponents, and even had the ball in the net in the first minute through Kane before an offside flag against Bukayo Saka interrupted their celebrations.

England remained patient where they had perhaps lost focus and took advantage of a rare Latvian attack to start their opener on the counter, John Stones’ ball into the channel inviting Anthony Gordon to use his pace to cut inside and bend in a fine strike for his second international goal.

As Latvia spent most of the rest of the half looking increasingly stubborn, the traveling support began playfully goading Tuchel after his criticism of England’s home support against Wales with chants such as “Tuchel, give us a song!” and “1-0 at the library”.

“I had some stick in the first half, pretty fair and played well,” Tuchel said later. ITV. “It was a great sense of humour. It was brilliant support from start to finish.”

Those fans’ attention turned back to the pitch moments before the break when Kane, who had already missed two previous presentable chances, buried the sharpest of the three on his left foot with a well-placed finish from 20 yards.

It was only part of a collapse described as “madness” by Aerial sports Roy Keane at half-time, largely aimed a senseless shirt shot at Kane in the Latvian box seconds before the break, which was always likely to be picked up by VAR. The skipper duly scored his 24th penalty for England in 28 attempts to put England out of sight.

While remaining focused, England’s toughest opponent after the break, Ezri Konsa, was caught off guard by Vladislavs Gutkovskis, but recovered superbly to deny the hosts’ top scorer with a magnificent sliding challenge as he prepared to shoot.

It was quickly back to normal as an inviting cross from Djed Spence was launched by Krisjanis Zviedris and unintentionally converted into his own net by Maksims Tonisevs, before substitute Eberechi Eze reminded Tuchel of his quality with a late fifth from Jarrod Bowen’s ball.

Analysis: England are making all the right noises – but still early

Ron Walker from Sky Sports:

“It has been the best of England’s four sides under Thomas Tuchel. After a shaky start, unconvincing performances against international minnows and an embarrassing home defeat to Senegal in June, albeit a post-season friendly, things finally clicked against Serbia at the end of the last international break and the Three Lions haven’t looked back.

“Tuchel arrived early, but even a year before England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in Gareth Southgate’s first tournament, the Three Lions were still far from the finished article, so the same patience should be afforded to his successor.

“Where England grew frustrated and lost their intensity against Andorra in Tuchel’s first qualifying match, they now maintained their pressure until the build-up to Eberechi Eze’s goal in the final five minutes on Tuesday night, much to the delight of their manager.

“England have only faced one team ranked in the FIFA top 40 under this manager and that test must take place before next summer’s tournament, but when it does the Three Lions will now be able to rely on the underlying cohesion and organization that suits the ‘club mentality’ that Tuchel wanted to create.”

Tuchel delighted: We are dominant, we are aggressive

England head coach Thomas Tuchel on ITV:

“We are dominant in games, we are hungry. We invest against the ball, we get a lot of ball wins in the opponent’s half.

“For our last goal, Harry Kane comes into his own half after a mistake from his teammate and helps score Ebs’ goal. We are happy, we are on our way.

“It’s a club feeling because we play very aggressively with high pressing, it’s very physical so it’s very demanding but everyone has to buy into the idea because otherwise you can’t press high. They’re a very good group and it’s a pleasure to coach them.”

Kane, double scorer: I’m in the form of my life

England captain Harry Kane on ITV when asked if he is in his best shape:

“I would say yes, the numbers are there but the way I feel on the pitch, the way I see the passes, the runs, physically I am in a good position.

“I’m having a good time and long may it continue.”

The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place on December 5 in Washington.

President Trump will join FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the John F. Kennedy Center – a performance venue where Trump is president – ​​to decide the schedule for the group stage.

In announcing the location of the draw at the White House in August, Trump said the World Cup was “the greatest sporting event,” while Infantino said the 104 matches would be like “104 Super Bowls.”

The draw will take place from 12:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. UK time).

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

This will be the 23rd edition of the tournament.