Key Takeaways:
- England secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Latvia 5-0 away last night
- The Three Lions have won all six group matches, amassing 18 points with zero goals conceded
- Harry Kane scored twice, while Maksims Tonisevs netted an own goal for Latvia
Dominant Display Secures Top Spot for England
England have become the first European side to confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, following a commanding 5-0 win against Latvia. Thomas Tuchel’s men established early control in Riga and displayed total dominance throughout the match, guaranteeing top spot in Group K.
🏴 England are headed to the #FIFAWorldCup again!#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/B4H0C9DfGP
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 14, 2025
Match Analysis and Key Moments
Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 26th minute after expertly controlling a through pass from John Stones, firing past Latvian goalkeeper Zviedris to make it 1-0. The pressure from England intensified, and captain Harry Kane took advantage of a defensive error to double the lead, finishing from the edge of the penalty area.
Kane struck his second of the match before half-time, converting a penalty to bring the score to 3-0. The second half continued in similar fashion, with England unrelenting in attack. Maksims Tonisevs, attempting to clear his lines, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing England their fourth.
The fifth and final goal was crafted just four minutes from time through substitutes Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze. Bowen intercepted possession in midfield and found Eze, who deftly advanced to the edge of the area and slotted home to cap off an emphatic performance for the visitors. Goalie Zviedris was given little chance throughout the onslaught.
Group Standings and Statistics
With this result, England maintain a flawless record in Group K, boasting six victories from six, 18 points, and a remarkable clean sheet record, having not conceded a single goal. Latvia sit in the penultimate position with 4 points.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, Latvia are scheduled to play a friendly against North Macedonia on 13 November, before concluding their qualification campaign with an away fixture versus Serbia four days later.
England, assured of their place in the finals, will host Serbia at home on 13 November, followed by their final group match three days after, hosting England.
Starting Line-Ups
| Latvia | England |
|---|---|
| Zviedris, Jurovskis, Veips, Chernomordijs, Balodis, Ciganiks, Zelenkovs, Varslavans, Vapne, Ikaunieks, Gutkovskis | Pickford, Anderson, Gordon, Kane, Lewis-Skelly, Konsa, Rice, Rogers, Saka, Spence, Stones |
| Coach: Paolo Nicolato | Coach: Thomas Tuchel |
