Squad Evaluations: The Three Lions Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament

Gareth Southgate's side earned their spot at the next World Cup with a convincing triumph over the Baltic side on the midweek fixture.

First Eleven Performance

  • Jordan Pickford – Made a few of good stops in the second half to preserve his impressive clean sheet run. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
  • The full-back – Has taken to international football with ease. More challenging tests lie ahead, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
  • The defender – Two matches in a short span will do the Manchester City defender a lot of good. Remains one of the key players on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
  • Aston Villa's defender – Selected ahead of the other option and was flawless. Executed an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
  • Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a little off the pace at times, understandable given his scarce minutes at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
  • The midfielder – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Seems tailored for this level and has developed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
  • Arsenal's engine – Excelling in his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is displaying his offensive abilities now. Becoming a real all-round midfielder. 7
  • The attacker – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over previous opponents. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
  • Arsenal's star – Provided an key pass to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's chances next summer. 7.5
  • Harry Kane – At his peak. Boosted his total for the season to 20 goals. Has hit the back of the net 76 occasions for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
  • Anthony Gordon – Clinical finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5

The Bench Players

  • The veteran (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
  • Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a threat. 7
  • The winger (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to earn a place when everyone's fit. 6
  • Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Typically, handled everything in the air. 6
  • Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left stood out. 6

After a World Cup spot confirmed, the squad can now focus for next summer with confidence.

Sarah Peterson
Sarah Peterson

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