High-five as England win to qualify for World Cup

So, England become the first European side to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but the real wonder is whether that actually says anything more about their capability of finishing first next summer.

- By MIGUEL DELANEY IN RIGA

Latvia 0

England 5

Gordon (26), Kane (44, 45+3 pen), Tonisevs (58 og), Eze (86)

It instead couldn't have been easier, as this thrashing of Latvia made it six wins from six with 18 goals and none conceded. Almost perfect.

And that is something that has been more of an interest for Tuchel, as he has wanted England to qualify in a fashion befitting the expectations of them. So, after a relatively slow start, the German's side have started to pick up some real speed – particularly in attack. There's a growing coherence to the frontline, with the selected players complementing each other well. Morgan Rogers's deftness is ideal for the runs of Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, with a world-class scorer like Harry Kane looking like the best tactical fit in an England team for some time. Harry Kane scored twice against Latvia for the 75th and 76th goals of his international career.

Gordon and the captain duly scored fine goals of different qualities, with Kane claiming his 77th and 78th for the country.

Through all of that, there was a genuine symbolism and significance to England qualifying so early. When you cast an eye over the international game right now - and particularly this break’s results - they are arguably one of just seven sides who currently look capable of winning this World Cup.

England are arguably fourth or fifth in a list headed by Spain, Argentina, France, maybe Portugal, and then possibly Netherlands and Brazil.

It isn’t currently that intimidating. The field is certainly nothing like 1998 or 2002, when so many of the major nations had absolutely stacked squads.