Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Book Their Place for 2026 World Cup

England earned their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a decisive victory over the Baltic side on Tuesday evening.

First Eleven Performance

  • Jordan Pickford – Made a couple of good saves in the latter period to extend his impressive clean sheet record. That's nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
  • The full-back – Has taken to international football with ease. Sterner tests lie ahead, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
  • The defender – Two matches in a short span will do the City defender a great benefit. Still one of the key players on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
  • Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of the other option and performed solidly. Executed an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
  • Arsenal's talent – Appeared a little not at his best at times, understandable given his limited game time at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
  • Newcastle's star – Seems essential in this England team at the moment. Looks made for this level and has formed an productive partnership with Rice. 7
  • Arsenal's engine – Enjoying his attacking role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his attacking abilities now. Developing into a real all-round midfielder. 7
  • The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's victories over previous opponents. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
  • The winger – Contributed an key pass to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
  • The striker – At his peak. Increased his total for the season to 20 goals. Has hit the back of the net 76 times for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
  • Anthony Gordon – Precise finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5

The Bench Players

  • The veteran (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
  • Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a danger. 7
  • The winger (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
  • Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Predictably, managed everything in the air. 6
  • Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6

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

Ashley Morgan
Ashley Morgan

Tech enthusiast and futurist writer with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies shape our daily lives and future societies.