England have secured their place at the 2026 World Cup finals after a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Latvia in Riga. Thomas Tuchel's side maintained their perfect record in qualifying Group K, with two matches still to play. The result was never in doubt against the world's 137th-ranked team, who managed only a draw with Andorra in their previous outing.
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 26th minute, cutting inside and curling a shot into the far corner after Latvia lost possession. Harry Kane then took centre stage, doubling the lead with a stunning low drive from the edge of the box before adding a penalty just before half-time after a VAR review for a push on the captain. The goals took Kane's England tally to 76.
The second half saw further goals as Maksims Tonisevs turned into his own net and substitute Eberechi Eze added the fifth. England also recorded their sixth clean sheet in six qualifiers, with Jordan Pickford extending his record of nine consecutive shutouts for the national team. The goalkeeper had little to do as Latvia rarely threatened.
Off the pitch, the travelling England fans made their feelings known after Tuchel's criticism of the Wembley atmosphere last week. Chants including 'Thomas Tuchel, we'll sing when we want' and 'Are we loud enough for you?' were heard throughout the first half, along with ironic boos when the manager's name was announced. Tuchel responded with a wave and later praised the English sense of humour.
The match was played at a small stadium with only the lower tier of the main stand covered, leaving many fans exposed to heavy rain in the second half. Despite the conditions, England's performance was described as commanding and assured, with Tuchel selecting a strong lineup that included Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back and Ezri Konsa in central defence.
