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The national team earned their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a decisive triumph over Latvia on Tuesday night.

The Starting Lineup

• England's number one – Pulled off a few of good saves in the second half to preserve his impressive clean sheet streak. It's now nine in a row. 6.5
• Djed Spence – Has adapted to international football with ease. Tougher tests lie ahead, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
• Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in less than a week will do the Manchester City defender a lot of good. Still one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• The centre-back – Selected 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 – Looked a slightly off the pace at times, understandable given his limited game time at Arsenal. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
• Elliott Anderson – Appears undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks made for this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
• Arsenal's engine – 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 attacker – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over previous opponents. We should find out next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Arsenal's star – Contributed an key pass to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
• Harry Kane – In the form of his life. Increased his total for the season to 20 scores. Has hit the back of the net 76 times for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
• Newcastle's attacker – Sharp finish to get the ball rolling for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5

The Bench Players

• The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
• Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a danger. 7
• The winger (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to earn a place when the squad is full. 6
• Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Predictably, handled everything with his height. 6
• Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left caught the eye. 6

With their place confirmed, the squad can now prepare for the upcoming tournament with confidence.