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The national team earned their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable victory over Latvia on the midweek fixture.

The Starting Lineup

• England's number one – Pulled off a couple of good saves in the latter period to maintain his remarkable clean sheet streak. That's nine in a row. 6.5
• Djed Spence – Has adapted to international football seamlessly. Tougher tests are coming, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
• Manchester City's centre-back – Two matches in five days will do the City defender a lot of good. Still one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• The centre-back – Selected ahead of Marc Guehi and performed solidly. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
• Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a little ring rusty at times, expected given his limited game time at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6
• The midfielder – Appears essential in this England team at the moment. Looks tailored for this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
• Declan Rice – Thriving in his advanced midfield role. The pillar of England's midfield is showing his creative abilities now. Developing into a real all-round midfielder. 7
• The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's victories over other teams. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Arsenal's star – Provided an assist to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
• The striker – Playing brilliantly. Boosted his count for the season to 20 scores. Has scored 76 times for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
• Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to get the ball rolling for England here in the Latvian capital. Has done a good job during this fixture period. 7.5

Subs' Impact

• The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a threat. 7
• Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to be selected when the squad is full. 6
• The defender (for Stones 71) – Predictably, handled everything aerially. 6
• Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left caught the eye. 6

With qualification booked, England can now focus for the World Cup with confidence.