Player Evaluations: The Three Lions Book Their Place for 2026 World Cup

The national team secured their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable triumph over the Baltic side on Tuesday night.

The Starting Lineup

  • The goalkeeper – Made a few of good stops in the latter period to maintain his remarkable 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. More challenging 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 great benefit. Still one of the first names on the roster, fitness permitting. 7
  • Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of Marc Guehi and performed solidly. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
  • Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a little not at his best at times, expected given his lack of action at his club. An interesting few months ahead. 6
  • Elliott Anderson – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
  • Declan Rice – Enjoying his attacking role. The pillar of England's midfield is showing his attacking abilities now. Developing into a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
  • The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's wins over previous opponents. It will be revealed next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
  • Arsenal's star – Added an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's prospects next summer. 7.5
  • The captain – In the form of his life. Took his count for the season to 20 scores. Has found the net 76 occasions for his country. Can he reach 100? 8
  • Anthony Gordon – Precise finish to open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5

The Bench Players

  • The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
  • Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a menace. 7
  • Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to make the squad when all are available. 6
  • The defender (for Stones 71) – Typically, handled everything aerially. 6
  • The forward (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left stood out. 6

After qualification booked, the team can now prepare for next summer with optimism.

Jennifer Klein
Jennifer Klein

A mindfulness coach and writer passionate about helping others find balance and clarity in a fast-paced world.