Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Gareth Southgate's side clinched their spot at the next World Cup with a decisive victory over the Baltic side on Tuesday night.

England's Starting XI

• England's number one – Pulled off a couple of good saves in the latter period to preserve his remarkable clean sheet streak. It's now nine straight in a row. 6.5
• The full-back – Seems at home in international football with ease. More challenging tests await, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
• The defender – Two games in a short span will do the City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• Ezri Konsa – Chosen ahead of his competitor and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
• Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a slightly not at his best at times, understandable given his lack of action at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6
• The midfielder – Looks essential in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has struck up an strong partnership with Rice. 7
• Arsenal's engine – Excelling in his number eight role. The backbone of England's midfield is showing his offensive abilities now. Emerging as a real all-round midfielder. 7
• Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Arsenal's star – Added an assist to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
• The captain – Playing brilliantly. Boosted his total for the season to 20 goals. Has hit the back of the net 76 occasions for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
• Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to get the ball rolling for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5

England Substitutes

• Jordan Henderson (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a menace. 7
• The winger (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to earn a place when everyone's fit. 6
• The defender (for Stones 71) – Predictably, handled everything in the air. 6
• Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left stood out. 6

With a World Cup spot confirmed, the team can now prepare for the World Cup with confidence.