Key Takeaways:
- On Tuesday, England thrashed Latvia 5–0 in Riga to seal World Cup qualification with six wins from six matches
- Declan Rice has now earned 70 England caps and spoken openly about his leadership responsibilities
- England will play Serbia at Wembley on November 13, before concluding qualifiers in Albania three days later
England’s Dominance Under Tuchel Evident in Qualifying Sweep
England have exhibited formidable form in their World Cup qualification journey, underlined by a commanding 5–0 victory against Latvia in Riga on Tuesday. The Three Lions, overseen by new manager Thomas Tuchel, maintained a perfect record with six wins from as many matches, bolstered by a remarkable tally of 18 goals scored and no goals conceded throughout the campaign so far.
The latest match saw Harry Kane net twice, Maksims Tonisevs turn the ball into his own net, and contributions from Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze, further emphasising England’s attacking prowess across the pitch. With major figures such as Declan Rice, Kane, and Gordon performing at the peak of their powers, momentum continues to build as England eye the ultimate prize in North America next summer.
Being named captain of the England squad once more was an honour.@_DeclanRice @England 🏴 pic.twitter.com/fKSV82Pq1h
— Declan Rice (@DR41fanpage) October 10, 2025
Declan Rice: Senior Influence and World Cup Ambitions
Declan Rice, now aged 26 and recently making his 70th appearance for England, has embraced his increased standing within the squad, officially serving as vice-captain. His experiences in two major tournament finals have only fuelled his desire to capture what has eluded the nation for nearly sixty years. Rice has highlighted the unity and maturity within the squad, as well as his own evolution into a leadership role bridging both established stars and younger talent.
Club and Country: Rice’s Versatility Under Arteta and Tuchel
At Arsenal, Rice has become a pivotal figure for Mikel Arteta’s league-leading side, evolving from a pure holding midfielder into a comprehensive box-to-box presence. With newfound licence to advance and influence the attacking third, Rice’s game has flourished, as he continues to provide defensive strength alongside goal contributions. This versatility has not gone unnoticed by Tuchel, who has mirrored such tactical usage within the national setup.
Rice described his roles: “I can play No. 6 or No. 8,” and detailed how both his club and national managers have offered tactical clarity, facilitating his development as an all-action midfielder. He further reflected on his season’s form, acknowledging an especially strong finish last term and a recent upturn after a slower start.
Final Steps Before the World Cup Finals
Although England’s place in the World Cup finals is assured, preparations continue with two remaining qualifiers: against Serbia at Wembley on November 13 and away to Albania on November 16. These fixtures, now pressure-free, will serve as valuable groundwork as England seek to end their six-decade wait for global football’s loftiest prize.
