Latvia vs England live: Eze goal caps off superb victory as Three Lions qualify for World Cup
Latvia 0-5 England: Thomas Tuchel’s side confirmed their place at the top of Group K with victory
England secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a dominating 5-0 victory over Latvia and two matches remaining in qualifying.
Anthony Gordon lit up the first half with pace and power on the left wing, challenging defenders and putting in crosses but it was a right-footed strike from the Newcastle winger which proved decisive.
Gordon’s goal broke the deadlock in Riga before Harry Kane, restored to the lineup after sitting out the Wales friendly, added two more before the break. The first was a deft left-footed strike from the edge of the box and the second a pinpoint penalty.
England weren’t done though. They increased their lead to four thanks to a fortuitous own goal before Eberechi Eze, one of a host of second half substitutes, emulated Gordon by cutting in from the left to bag the fifth.
The England fans responded to Thomas Tuchel’s call to make more noise, and England rewarded them with a flurry of goals on the pitch.
Next stop, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
England have qualified for the World Cup but unanswered questions raise doubts over their development
So, England become the first European side to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but the real wonder is whether that actually says anything more about their capability of finishing first next summer.
Thomas Tuchel of course acknowledged that this was the expectation, but said it shouldn’t be completely taken for granted that it is a landmark achievement, even if this 5-0 in front of some trees in Riga wasn’t exactly Stockholm 1989 or Rome 1997. No bloodied bandages were required, as were seen with Terry Butcher and Paul Ince in those games.
It instead couldn’t have been easier, as this thrashing of Latvia made it six wins from six with 18 goals and none conceded. Almost perfect.
Unanswered questions raise doubts over England’s development
England celebrate with the fans
The 2,500 or so travelling fans are cheering and chanting in the stands after England booked their spot in the World Cup.
The players come over to the stands and celebrate with them.
FT Latvia 0-5 England
England have won Group K.
They have 18 points from their six qualifying matches with a perfect record of six wins from six.
The Three Lions haven’t even conceded a goal in qualifying yet.
Two matches remain, one against Serbia and one against Albania.
England qualify for World Cup 2026 with win over Latvia
England are the first European nation to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup following a 5-0 victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
The Three Lions claimed victory and a crucial three points in Riga courtesy of goals from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze which saw Thomas Tuchel’s side take an unassailable lead in Uefa qualifying Group K.
Tuchel has now overseen seven wins from his eight matches in charge with his England team yet to concede a goal in competitive fixtures.
England qualify for World Cup 2026 with win over Latvia
Full-time! Latvia 0-5 England
90 mins: There goes the whistle.
England came and conquered and booked their place in the World Cup next summer.
A superb performance.
GOAL! Latvia 0-5 England (Eberechi Eze, 86')
Boom!
Bowen wins the ball back on the halfway line and drives forward before feeding a pass out to Eberechi Eze on the left.
Like Gordon did earlier, he cuts inside before drilling his effort into the bottom corner.
Latvia 0-4 England
81 mins: More control and composure for England.
A slick pass down the left wing is chased down by Rashford who pulls a pass back into the middle and wins a corner.
Latvia 0-4 England
78 mins: Time is ticking away from England but the travelling fans are still in full voice.
They seemed to have taken Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of the Wembley atmosphere last week to heart and haven’t stopped chanting all evening.
Latvia 0-4 England
75 mins: 15 minutes to play in Riga.
Rashford flicks the ball into the box and there’s an appeal for handball which the referee isn’t interested in.
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