Player Assessments: The Three Lions Book Their Place for the Next World Cup
The national team earned their spot at the global tournament with a comfortable triumph over Latvia on the midweek fixture.
The Starting Lineup
- Jordan Pickford – Made a few of fine stops in the latter period to preserve his impressive clean sheet record. It's now nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
- The full-back – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. More challenging tests are coming, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- John Stones – A pair of fixtures in less than a week will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Remains one of the key players on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Chosen ahead of Marc Guehi and was flawless. Made an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- Arsenal's talent – Appeared a slightly not at his best at times, understandable given his scarce minutes at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
- The midfielder – Looks essential in this England team at the moment. Appears tailored for this level and has formed an strong partnership with Rice. 7
- The midfielder – Excelling in his advanced midfield role. The backbone of England's midfield is showing his creative abilities now. Becoming a real all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Quieter as he has been in England's wins over Serbia and Wales. We should find out next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- The winger – Contributed an setup to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The captain – Playing brilliantly. Increased his tally for the season to 20 scores. Has found the net 76 occasions for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5
England Substitutes
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a danger. 7
- West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, dealt with everything with his height. 6
- Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6
With their place booked, the squad can now focus for the World Cup with confidence.