Player Ratings: The Three Lions Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament
England clinched their berth at the next World Cup with a comfortable victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
First Eleven Performance
- Jordan Pickford – Made a couple of excellent stops in the second half to maintain his impressive clean sheet streak. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. More challenging tests are coming, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – Two matches in a short span will do the Manchester City defender a lot of good. Still one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of his competitor and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- Arsenal's talent – Appeared a slightly not at his best at times, understandable given his lack of action at his club. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
- The midfielder – Seems undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has developed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
- The midfielder – Excelling in his attacking role. The backbone of England's midfield is demonstrating his creative abilities now. Developing into a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's wins over other teams. It will be revealed next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- The winger – Contributed an setup to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The captain – At his peak. Increased his count for the season to 20 goals. Has found the net 76 goals for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Precise finish to open the scoring for England here in away. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a danger. 7
- The winger (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to earn a place when everyone's fit. 6
- Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Predictably, managed everything aerially. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left caught the eye. 6
After a World Cup spot confirmed, the team can now focus for next summer with optimism.