🔗 Share this article Squad Evaluations: England Book Their Place for the Next World Cup Gareth Southgate's side secured their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a convincing win over the Baltic side on the midweek fixture. First Eleven Performance The goalkeeper – Made a couple of fine stops in the latter period to maintain his impressive clean sheet run. That's nine in a row. 6.5 Djed Spence – Has adapted to international football like a duck to water. Sterner 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 City defender a great benefit. Still one of the automatic picks on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7 Ezri Konsa – Chosen ahead of Marc Guehi and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7 The young defender – Looked a slightly ring rusty at times, understandable given his scarce minutes at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6 Newcastle's star – Seems undroppable in this England team at the moment. Appears made for this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7 Declan Rice – Enjoying his advanced midfield role. The backbone of England's midfield is showing his attacking abilities now. Becoming a real all-round midfielder. 7 The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's wins over previous opponents. The answer will come next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6 Bukayo Saka – Contributed an assist to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's prospects next summer. 7.5 The striker – At his peak. Took his tally for the season to 20 goals. Has found the net 76 occasions for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8 The forward – Sharp finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5 Subs' Impact The veteran (for Rice 60) – Kept play flowing in midfield. 6 The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Well-executed goal and a threat. 7 Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to be selected when everyone's fit. 6 Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Typically, dealt with everything in the air. 6 The forward (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left was noticeable. 6 After qualification secured, the team can now prepare for next summer with optimism.