Squad Evaluations: England Secure a Spot for the Next World Cup
England earned their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a decisive win over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
England's Starting XI
- The goalkeeper – Made a couple of excellent saves in the latter period to maintain his impressive clean sheet run. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Has adapted to international football seamlessly. Sterner tests are coming, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in less than a week will do the City defender a great benefit. Still one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- Ezri Konsa – Selected ahead of Marc Guehi and performed solidly. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- The young defender – Appeared a slightly not at his best at times, understandable given his lack of action at Arsenal. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Seems essential in this England team at the moment. Looks made for this level and has developed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Thriving in his attacking role. The backbone of England's midfield is demonstrating his offensive abilities now. Developing into a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over other teams. We should find out next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Bukayo Saka – Added an assist to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- Harry Kane – Playing brilliantly. Took his total for the season to 20 strikes. Has scored 76 goals for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
- The forward – Sharp finish to get the ball rolling for England here in away. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5
The Bench Players
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a menace. 7
- West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6
- Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Predictably, dealt with everything aerially. 6
- The forward (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left stood out. 6
After a World Cup spot secured, the squad can now focus for the upcoming tournament with confidence.