England are going to the 2026 World Cup, and they are going there in style after another 5-0 win away from home as Latvia became the latest victims of a team that is well and truly taking shape under Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions have booked their place at next summer's bonanza in North America with two games to spare after winning their first six qualifiers, without conceding a single goal in the process.

"We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else." If anyone was in any doubt as to whether England manager Thomas Tuchel planned to stick to his fairly unpopular selection policy with the World Cup fast approaching, those pointed words ahead of the friendly victory over Wales more or less confirmed it.

Thomas Tuchel has told English players they can’t expect special treatment and must earn the right to play for Premier League clubs. The number of homegrown players has dipped alarmingly in recent years, but the Three Lions boss believes domestic clubs aren’t to blame as players must fight harder to earn a place in their team.

Jack Grealish has been told he is now at a club where his undoubted talents can flourish and finally bring an end to his Manchester City nightmare. Grealish has made a thrilling start to his loan spell at Everton and can become a “maverick again” following his “sour spell” at Man City, according to former Toffees midfielder Don Hutchison.

Anthony Gordon has suggested that some of the star names that have been overlooked for Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad, including Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, shouldn't take their omission personally. The Newcastle United forward went on to insist that it needs to be a team effort if the Three Lions are going to win major international tournaments, and is under no illusions that his place in the team is guaranteed.