Player Assessments: England Book Their Place for the Upcoming Tournament
The national team earned their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a convincing triumph over Latvia on Tuesday night.
First Eleven Performance
- Jordan Pickford – Pulled off a couple of excellent saves in the second half to preserve his impressive clean sheet streak. It's now nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
- Djed Spence – Seems at home in international football with ease. Sterner tests are coming, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
- The defender – A pair of fixtures in five days will do the City defender a great benefit. Remains one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of the other option and was flawless. Made an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- Arsenal's talent – Looked a slightly off the pace at times, understandable given his limited game time at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Looks essential in this England team at the moment. Seems made for this level and has formed an strong partnership with Rice. 7
- Arsenal's engine – Enjoying his advanced midfield role. The backbone of England's midfield is demonstrating his creative abilities now. Becoming a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over other teams. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Contributed an setup to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The captain – In the form of his life. Boosted his count for the season to 20 strikes. Has hit the back of the net 76 goals for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to get the ball rolling for England here in away. Has done a good job during this break. 7.5
Subs' Impact
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a threat. 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) – Predictably, handled everything aerially. 6
- Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left was noticeable. 6
After their place confirmed, the team can now focus for the upcoming tournament with high hopes.
