Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Book Their Place for the Upcoming Tournament

England clinched their place at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable victory over their opponents on Tuesday night.

First Eleven Performance

  • The goalkeeper – Made a couple of good saves in the second half to preserve his impressive clean sheet streak. It's now nine in a row. 6.5
  • The full-back – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. Tougher tests await, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
  • Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in a short span will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Remains one of the automatic picks on the roster, fitness permitting. 7
  • Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of his competitor and was flawless. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
  • Arsenal's talent – Appeared a slightly off the pace at times, expected given his limited game time at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6
  • The midfielder – Seems undroppable in this England team at the moment. Seems made for this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
  • Arsenal's engine – Excelling in his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is demonstrating his attacking abilities now. Developing into a true all-round midfielder. 7
  • The forward – Quieter as he has been in England's successes over Serbia and Wales. It will be revealed next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
  • Arsenal's star – Provided an key pass to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
  • Harry Kane – In the form of his life. Boosted his total for the season to 20 strikes. Has hit the back of the net 76 times for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
  • Anthony Gordon – Sharp finish to open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this international window. 7.5

Subs' Impact

  • The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6
  • Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a threat. 7
  • Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when everyone's fit. 6
  • Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Predictably, handled everything aerially. 6
  • The forward (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left stood out. 6

With their place confirmed, the team can now turn their attention for the upcoming tournament with confidence.

Ronald Bray
Ronald Bray

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.