England Latvia ratings GFXGetty/GOAL
Richard Martin

England player ratings vs Latvia: Harry Kane cannot be contained! Three Lions captain keeps up superb form and Anthony Gordon impresses as Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions seal World Cup qualification in style

A typically insatiable Harry Kane fired England to the 2026 World Cup as the captain scored twice in the 5-0 hammering of Latvia which extended the Three Lions' 100 percent record in qualifying. Kane, who had missed Thursday's friendly win over Wales with an ankle injury, returned to set a new England record by scoring more than once for the 13th time in international football to move on to 76 goals for his country.

Anthony Gordon set England on their way to a sixth consecutive win in World Cup qualifying by scoring in the 26th minute, latching onto a defence-splitting ball from John Stones and cutting inside onto his right foot before sweeping into the far bottom corner.

Kane then struck twice in the space of four minutes to effectively seal qualification before the half-time whistle had gone. First he curled in a left-footed strike from outside the box after aggressive pressing from Bukayo Saka and then dispatched a penalty which he had earned after being pulled down by Latvia captain Antonijs Cernomordijs.

England didn't rest on their laurels in the second half and scored again with little effort thanks to a comical own goal, Maksims Tonisevs diverting a Djed Spence cross - which was going well wide - into his own net before substitute Eberechi Eze capped a near-perfect night for Thomas Tuchel's side by scoring a splendid fifth goal.

GOAL rates England's players from Daugava Stadium...

  • Latvia v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 QualifierGetty Images Sport

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Jordan Pickford (6/10):

    Another relaxing outing for a goalkeeper who last conceded for England one year ago and has kept nine consecutive clean sheets. He didn't have to deal with any shots on target yet again, only facing one in the qualifying campaign thus far.

    Djed Spence (7/10):

    An impressive first competitive start for England in which he also demonstrated his ability to perform at right-back as well on the left. Busy attacking in both halves and played a part in the fourth goal, albeit thanks to Tonisev's clumsiness.

    Ezri Konsa (7/10):

    Calm yet assertive back in the centre of defence and meant England barely missed Guehi, who was given the chance to rest. Produced a chest-thumping moment when he raced back and slid in to prevent Gutkovskis from almost certainly scoring.

    John Stones (7/10):

    An excellent demonstration of his ball-playing qualities as he provided a regular supply of balls to midfield and opened the floodgates with his sumptuous pass to Gordon. England will be so much better off next summer if he can stay fit.

    Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

    Should have made more of a rare start given his reduced opportunities at Arsenal this season. Didn't attack with usual freedom and was shown up by Spence on the other flank.

    • Advertisement
  • Latvia v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 QualifierGetty Images Sport

    Midfield

    Declan Rice (7/10):

    Patrolled the midfield with his usual authority, although he didn't get forward as much as he would have liked. Earned a rest and was taken off on the hour-mark.

    Elliot Anderson (7/10):

    Another seamless England performance which consolidated his place in the starting XI. Played a dictating role, although will be annoyed not to have scored his first Three Lions goal when he skewed wide inside the area.

    Morgan Rogers (5/10):

    A bit of a comedown from his show-stopping display against Wales as he couldn't get involved in the attacking play and was among the first to be taken off.

  • Latvia v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 QualifierGetty Images Sport

    Attack

    Bukayo Saka (7/10):

    Showed his pestering side by pressing to win the ball when Kane scored England's second and drove the move which led to the own goal. Got a well-earned rest as he was removed on the hour-mark.

    Harry Kane (8/10):

    Back with a bang and yet another England record. Could have struck early on when he narrowly failed to connect with a cross but made amends with his brilliantly-taken goal and showed hunger to earn the penalty.

    Anthony Gordon (8/10):

    Showed why Tuchel didn't need to call up Grealish. Terrorised Latvia with his turn of pace and trickery, scored an excellent goal and ensured England look dangerous every time they came forward.

  • Latvia v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 QualifierGetty Images Sport

    Subs & Manager

    Jordan Henderson (6/10): 

    Comfortably took the baton from Rice to continue England's dominance in midfield.

    Jarrod Bowen (7/10): 

    Showed hunger to win the ball and then drive forward to set up Eze to score.

    Eberechi Eze (8/10):

    Produced a wonderful goal to show that he can be a reliable 'finisher' for his country as well as his club.

    Marcus Rashford (7/10): 

    Showed lots of trickery and pace, highlighting how his loan spell for Barcelona can benefit England.

    Dan Burn (6/10):

    Made a good tackle although it does not reflect too well that Latvia had two good chances when he was on the pitch.

    Thomas Tuchel (8/10):

    His project is truly taking shape and this was a third successive impressive display which bodes well for his chances of taking England deep at the World Cup.