England secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga, maintaining their perfect record in qualifying Group K. Goals from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane (2), Maksims Tonisevs (own goal), and Eberechi Eze ensured Thomas Tuchel's side finished the job with two matches to spare.
The match was notable for the running battle between the England fans and their manager, who had criticised the Wembley crowd for being too quiet during last week's friendly win over Wales. The travelling support responded with chants of 'Thomas Tuchel, we'll sing when we want' and 'Are we loud enough for you?' during the first half.
On the pitch, England dominated from the outset against a Latvia side ranked 137th in the world. Gordon opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a curling effort after cutting inside from the left. Kane doubled the lead with a fierce low drive from the edge of the box, then added a third from the penalty spot before half-time after Antonijs Cernomordijs was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
The second half saw further pressure from England, with substitute Tonisevs turning the ball into his own net for the fourth goal. Eze completed the scoring late on, slotting home from close range after a neat passing move. Jordan Pickford kept his ninth successive clean sheet for England, extending his own record.
Tuchel named a strong side, with Ezri Konsa partnering John Stones in defence after Marc Guéhi was rested. Myles Lewis-Skelly returned at left-back. Latvia, who had only managed a home draw against Andorra on Saturday, rarely threatened, with Konsa making a crucial block to deny a rare home attack in the second half.
