England Secure World Cup Qualification With Comfortable Victory Over Latvia

RIGA, Latvia – England have officially booked their place at the 2026 World Cup after dispatching Latvia 5-0 at the Daugava Stadium on Tuesday evening, becoming the first European nation to secure qualification for the tournament in North America.

Harry Kane continued his remarkable scoring form with two first-half goals, taking his tally to an impressive 21 goals in just 13 appearances for both club and country this season. The victory ensures England will finish top of Group K with two qualifying matches still remaining, having maintained a perfect record under manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Three Lions broke through after 26 minutes when Anthony Gordon, benefiting from Tuchel’s policy of consistent team selection, cut inside from the left flank and curled a precise finish into the far corner. The Newcastle winger’s strike set the tone for a dominant display that saw England control proceedings from start to finish.

Kane, who had earlier missed a clear opportunity from Gordon’s delivery, made amends with two quick-fire goals towards the end of the first period. The England captain first demonstrated his technical quality by steering a shot into the far corner with his weaker left foot while off balance, before converting from the penalty spot after Latvian captain Antonijs Cernomordijs was adjudged to have pulled his shirt.

The second half saw England manage the game effectively despite making multiple substitutions, with the fourth goal arriving in unfortunate circumstances for the hosts. Defender Andrejs Ciganiks inadvertently directed the ball into his own net after goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris failed to deal with Djed Spence’s dangerous cross from the right flank.

Eberechi Eze, introduced as one of five second-half changes, completed the scoring with an excellent individual effort four minutes from time. The Arsenal playmaker drove forward from midfield before unleashing a clinical finish to cap a thoroughly professional England performance.

Tuchel’s side have now won all six of their qualifying matches since the German took charge, scoring 18 goals without conceding. This defensive solidity represents a significant improvement from England’s early performances under Tuchel, which included narrow victories over Albania and Andorra coupled with a disappointing friendly defeat to Senegal in June.

The manager’s controversial decision to omit established stars such as Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from this month’s squad has been vindicated by both results and performances. Instead, Tuchel has placed his trust in players like Gordon, who has flourished with consistent minutes in the left forward position.

With qualification secured, attention now turns to England’s prospects at the tournament itself. The Three Lions will travel to the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer among the favourites to claim what would be their first World Cup triumph on foreign soil and their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup victory on home soil.

For Tuchel, the challenge now shifts from qualification to preparation, with difficult selection decisions awaiting as he integrates returning stars into a squad that has developed impressive cohesion during the qualifying campaign. England’s final two Group K matches against Serbia and Northern Ireland in October will provide opportunities for further refinement ahead of football’s global showpiece.