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England secured their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.

First Eleven Performance

• England's number one – Made a couple of good saves in the second half to extend his remarkable clean sheet run. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
• Djed Spence – Has taken to international football with ease. More challenging tests are coming, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
• John Stones – A pair of fixtures in less than a week will do the Manchester City defender a great benefit. Remains one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• Aston Villa's defender – Chosen ahead of his competitor and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
• Arsenal's talent – Appeared a somewhat off the pace at times, expected given his scarce minutes at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
• Elliott Anderson – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has formed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
• The midfielder – Enjoying his number eight role. The pillar of England's midfield is displaying his attacking abilities now. Emerging as a true all-round midfielder. 7
• Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Bukayo Saka – Provided an key pass to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
• The captain – At his peak. Took his tally for the season to 20 strikes. Has hit the back of the net 76 times for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
• Newcastle's attacker – Precise finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this fixture period. 7.5

The Bench Players

• The veteran (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
• The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a threat. 7
• Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6
• Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, dealt with everything with his height. 6
• The forward (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left was noticeable. 6

With a World Cup spot secured, the team can now focus for the upcoming tournament with optimism.