England secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a dominating 5-0 victory over Latvia and two matches remaining in qualifying.
Anthony Gordon lit up the first half with pace and power on the left wing, challenging defenders and putting in crosses but it was a right-footed strike from the Newcastle winger which proved decisive.
Gordon’s goal broke the deadlock in Riga before Harry Kane, restored to the lineup after sitting out the Wales friendly, added two more before the break. The first was a deft left-footed strike from the edge of the box and the second a pinpoint penalty.
England weren’t done though. They increased their lead to four thanks to a fortuitous own goal before Eberechi Eze, one of a host of second half substitutes, emulated Gordon by cutting in from the left to bag the fifth.
The England fans responded to Thomas Tuchel’s call to make more noise, and England rewarded them with a flurry of goals on the pitch.
Next stop, the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
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Latvia vs England live
- England qualify for World Cup 2026 with win over Latvia
- 86' GOAL! Eze comes off bench to add fifth goal (LVA 0-5 ENG)
- 58’ GOAL! Tonisevs’ own goal makes matter worse for Latvia (LVA 0-4 ENG)
- 45+4' GOAL! Kane converts from penalty spot (LVA 0-3 ENG)
- 44' GOAL! Kane drills low effort into the bottom corner (LVA 0-2 ENG)
- 26' GOAL! Gordon opens scoring with fine finish (LVA 0-1 ENG)
- 1' DISALLOWED! Kane scores but the goal is chalked off (LVA 0-0 ENG)
England have qualified for the World Cup but unanswered questions raise doubts over their development
22:25
,
Miguel Delaney
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.
Thomas Tuchel of course acknowledged that this was the expectation, but said it shouldn’t be completely taken for granted that it is a landmark achievement, even if this 5-0 in front of some trees in Riga wasn’t exactly Stockholm 1989 or Rome 1997. No bloodied bandages were required, as were seen with Terry Butcher and Paul Ince in those games.
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.
England celebrate with the fans
21:47
,
Mike Jones
The 2,500 or so travelling fans are cheering and chanting in the stands after England booked their spot in the World Cup.
The players come over to the stands and celebrate with them.
FT Latvia 0-5 England
21:42
,
Mike Jones
England have won Group K.
They have 18 points from their six qualifying matches with a perfect record of six wins from six.
The Three Lions haven’t even conceded a goal in qualifying yet.
Two matches remain, one against Serbia and one against Albania.
England qualify for World Cup 2026 with win over Latvia
21:40
,
Mike Jones
England are the first European nation to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup following a 5-0 victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
The Three Lions claimed victory and a crucial three points in Riga courtesy of goals from Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze which saw Thomas Tuchel’s side take an unassailable lead in Uefa qualifying Group K.
Tuchel has now overseen seven wins from his eight matches in charge with his England team yet to concede a goal in competitive fixtures.
Full-time! Latvia 0-5 England
21:40
,
Mike Jones
90 mins: There goes the whistle.
England came and conquered and booked their place in the World Cup next summer.
A superb performance.
GOAL! Latvia 0-5 England (Eberechi Eze, 86')
21:30
,
Mike Jones
Boom!
Bowen wins the ball back on the halfway line and drives forward before feeding a pass out to Eberechi Eze on the left.
Like Gordon did earlier, he cuts inside before drilling his effort into the bottom corner.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:26
,
Mike Jones
81 mins: More control and composure for England.
A slick pass down the left wing is chased down by Rashford who pulls a pass back into the middle and wins a corner.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:23
,
Mike Jones
78 mins: Time is ticking away from England but the travelling fans are still in full voice.
They seemed to have taken Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of the Wembley atmosphere last week to heart and haven’t stopped chanting all evening.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:19
,
Mike Jones
75 mins: 15 minutes to play in Riga.
Rashford flicks the ball into the box and there’s an appeal for handball which the referee isn’t interested in.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:15
,
Mike Jones
72 mins: Anthony Gordon has had a fine evening. He was the best playing int the first half and opened the scoring.
His day is done now though as Marcus Rashford comes on to replace him.
In defence, Dan Burn is on for John Stones.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:13
,
Mike Jones
69 mins: Once or twice now Latvia have had chances to get themselves a goal.
When they have willing runners there is space in behind England’s line and a well struck hit from Tonisevs almost finds the far bottom corner.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:11
,
Mike Jones
66 mins: Eze takes a snapshot from the edge of the area and forces a strong save out of Zviedris.
The goalkeeper diving low to his right to palm the ball away from goal.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:06
,
Mike Jones
63 mins: The England subs have around 30 minutes to impress and stake a claim to be included in the next camp.
The game has been broken open and scoring more goals is the way to get into the manager’s thoughts and plans.
Latvia 0-4 England
21:05
,
Mike Jones
60 mins: England now take the opportunity to make some changes.
Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen are introduced with Morgan Rogers, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka replaced.
GOAL! Latvia 0-4 England (Maksims Tonisevs OG, 58')
21:04
,
Mike Jones
Another one for England!
This one is fortunate. Saka brings the ball forward and lays it off to Spence.
He whips in a cross which the goalkeeper flaps towards the back post.
Latvia substitute, Maksims Tonisevs, doesn’t see it quickly enough and the ball deflects off his standing leg and into the goal.
Latvia 0-3 England
20:59
,
Mike Jones
54 mins: Wonderful from Ezri Konsa.
Latvia manage to get in behind England’s high defensive line as Konsa is caught out of position.
Gutkovskis sweeps in behind and carries the ball into the box.
He looks to unload but Konsa’s recovery run is superb and he times his lunging tackle to perfection and knocks the ball away from the striker.
Latvia 0-3 England
20:55
,
Mike Jones
51 mins: Rice lofts a cross into the box but Krisjanis Zviedris comes off his line to flap the ball away.
Gordon collects the loose ball but is forced to retreat as Latvia push out from their own penalty area.
Latvia 0-3 England
20:53
,
Mike Jones
48 mins: England have picked up where they left off in the first half.
Maintaining possession and winning the ball back quickly when they lose it.
Second half! Latvia 0-3 England
20:49
,
Mike Jones
The rain is coming down now.
No changes at the break from England which shows how much Tuchel wants his players to push on.
HT Latvia 0-3 England
20:43
,
Mike Jones
Thomas Tuchel wants more ruthlessness from England and the second half will prove how clinical they are.
England failed to extend their lead over Wales last week but they will be confident about putting more goals past Latvia tonight.
HT Latvia 0-3 England
20:39
,
Mike Jones
Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane are on the scoresheet. How many more will England add?
Half-time! Latvia 0-3 England
20:35
,
Mike Jones
45+4 mins: Three goals to the good and one step closer to the World Cup.
England are 45 minutes away from next summer’s tournament.
GOAL! Latvia 0-3 England (Harry Kane, 45+4')
20:34
,
Mike Jones
Kane converts from the spot!
England lead by three.
Penalty to England!
20:33
,
Mike Jones
Latvia 0-2 England
45 mins: Right on the stroke of half-time, England are awarded a penalty after Kane is dragged down in the box.
Can England add to their tally?
GOAL! Latvia 0-2 England (Harry Kane, 44')
20:30
,
Mike Jones
England’s high press sees them win the ball back inside the final third.
It bobbles over to Harry Kane who works it across to his left foot and drills a shot from the edge of the area into the back bottom corner!
Latvia 0-1 England
20:28
,
Mike Jones
41 mins: Rice swings a cross in from the right side of the pitch but once again Latvia manage to beat Kane to the aerial ball.
England have been very willing to cross into the box but they need a bit more accuracy.
Latvia 0-1 England
20:24
,
Mike Jones
38 mins: Anderson picks out Gordon on the left once more and the winger nips into the box.
He pokes a shot at goal but the ball heads wide.
Gordon thinks there’s a deflection but the referee disagrees and Latvia have a goal kick.
Latvia 0-1 England
20:21
,
Mike Jones
35 mins: An England corner is curled into the box by Declan Rice.
Veips gets his head to the ball first and nods it away.
England look to spread the ball over to the right but Vladislavs Gutkovskis charges the ball down and might have injured himself in the process.
Latvia 0-1 England
20:18
,
Mike Jones
32 mins: Latvia have responded well to going behind.
They are being more offensive and have transitioned the majority of the play from their own final third to the middle of the pitch.
England need to stay switched on.
Latvia 0-1 England
20:17
,
Mike Jones
29 mins: England can relax now. Latvia will need to open up more to get back in the game which will leave space and provide opportunities to add more goals.
Andrejs Ciganiks looks to get his team into the final third and clatters into Djed Spence which results in an England free kick.
GOAL! Latvia 0-1 England (Anthony Gordon, 26')
20:12
,
Mike Jones
There it is!
A rare foray up the pitch from Latvia leaves space in behind their defensive line.
John Stones lofts is down the left wing where Anthony Gordon collects the ball and drives forward.
He cuts inside, runs to the edge of the box then curls a low effort into the far bottom corner!
Latvia 0-0 England
20:09
,
Mike Jones
24 mins: Declan Rice’s corner ball is glanced out of the box but England recover possession.
They send it wide to Rogers on the right who darts a pass in towards the near post.
Gordon makes a run to try and reach it but is beaten by the nearest defender who scoops it clear.
Latvia 0-0 England
20:07
,
Mike Jones
22 mins: Spence whips a cross into the middle with Kane as the target.
Raivis Jurkovskis nods it behind for a corner.
Latvia 0-0 England
20:06
,
Mike Jones
21 mins: Gordon dances his way into the penalty area and skips over a lunging tackle.
His jump means the ball runs away from him and goes out of play before he can pull it back into the middle.
Latvia 0-0 England
20:04
,
Mike Jones
19 mins: England are looking a little frustrated already.
They play against these low blocks all the time but haven’t really looked comfortable against them until they break the deadlock.
Latvia 0-0 England
20:02
,
Mike Jones
16 mins: Djed Spence has made a few overlapping runs for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
He tries another one but gets tackled and loses possession.
Latvia can’t do much with the ball before they lose control of it and England sweep forward again.
Latvia 0-0 England
19:58
,
Mike Jones
13 mins: England are testing Latvia with crosses into the middle.
Saka looks for Kane but a defensive header forces him wide. He slots it across to Anderson who shoots from range but curls the effort wide of the right hand post.
Latvia 0-0 England
19:55
,
Mike Jones
10 mins: Gordon is fouled by Robert Veips and England take the free kick quickly.
Gordon makes a run down the left and receives the ball. He floats it across the box but can’t find a teammates and Latvia scramble it clear.
Latvia 0-0 England
19:53
,
Mike Jones
8 mins: Morgan Rogers attempts to dance in between a couple of defensive midfielders but loses the ball.
Anderson wins it back quickly and England work it over to the left.
Anthony Gordon drives forward then passes it across to Kane whose volley is guided wide!
Latvia 0-0 England
19:51
,
Mike Jones
5 mins: It’s been a bright start from England. Plenty of pace in their passes and their pressing is sharp and high up the pitch.
They’re trying to impose themselves on the hosts and it’s been pretty successful so far.
Latvia 0-0 England
19:48
,
Mike Jones
1 mins: Goal!
Actually, no. England have the ball in the back of the net after Elliot Anderson chips a pass over to Bukayo Saka.
Saka squares it across to Harry Kane who pokes it home only for the offside flag to go up.
Kick off! Latvia 0-0 England
19:46
,
Mike Jones
England get the ball rolling in Riga. This is the Three Lions’ first ever match in Latvia.
They boot it long and win the aerial ball. Latvia have set up in a low block and England need to work hard to break them down.
Pre-match thoughts from Thomas Tuchel
19:40
,
Mike Jones
England boss Thomas Tuchel told ITV: "Good pitch, good lights and we have a task that we want to fulfil. Everything is ready and the pitch looks fast and it is perfect weather to play football.
"Marc [Guehi] gets a rest because he is the one who has played the most minutes in our squad and we want to attack with both full-backs.
"I think it would fit [the formation], but the others trained well and pushed the 11. We have some good options to finish from the bench and we will use them. Like, Marcus Rashford.
"We want push it over the line, it is the moment and the opportunity. We are here to win, but first of all we are here to perform. Nothing is guaranteed, but we want to do it today."
Latvia vs England
19:37
,
Mike Jones
10 minutes to go until kick off.
England’s team is very strong with just two changes from the side who beat Wales.
Thomas Tuchel is trying to give players as much time as possible to form relationships and link up.
Latvia are set up defensively so it’ll be another challenge for England to break them down tonight.
Will England miss Watkins?
19:31
,
Mike Jones
Ollie Watkins has scored in four of his seven starts for England, scoring four goals.
Overall he has six goals for the Three Lions, with Billy Walker (9) and David Platt (7) the only two Aston Villa players to score more goals for England than Watkins.
However, injury keeps him out of tonight’s match with Harry Kane returning to the team.
Can Pickford catch Shilton?
19:25
,
Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford is the first ever England goalkeeper to go eight consecutive games without conceding a goal for the Three Lions.
His clean sheet against Wales was his 40th for England, with only Peter Shilton keeping more (58).
A strong defence
19:20
,
Mike Jones
Prior to this current international break, 24 of the 54 nations competing in Uefa World Cup 2026 qualification had only played two games compared to England’s five.
Despite that the Three Lions had faced fewer shots on target than any other nation (1), going 316 minutes since last facing one vs Latvia.
Latvian struggles
19:15
,
Mike Jones
Latvia have lost their last 14 matches against sides in top-10 of the Fifa World Rankings by an aggregate score of 41-1.
They last avoided defeat in a 0-0 draw at Euro 2004 against Germany.
England improving under Tuchel
19:10
,
Mike Jones
Under Thomas Tuchel, England are averaging 643 successful passes per game, 17 shots per game and 42 touches in the opposition box per game.
All higher totals than their averages under Sir Gareth Southgate (526 successful passes, 13 shots and 28 touches in the opposition box).
Clean sheets aplenty
19:05
,
Mike Jones
England have kept eight clean sheets in their last nine matches, their only blemish in this run a 3-1 friendly defeat against Senegal in June.
The Three Lions are still yet to concede a competitive goal in five matches under Thomas Tuchel.
Good signs for England
19:00
,
Mike Jones
Latvia will be the 72nd nation England have played an away match against.
They’ve won their last three first time away games against a nation.
Those were: 3-2 vs Slovenia in 2015, 3-0 vs Lithuania in 2015 and 4-0 vs Kosovo in 2019.
Latvia XI to face England
18:59
,
Mike Jones
Latvia XI: Zviedris; Vapne, Jurkovskis, Cernomordijs, Balodis, Ciganiks; Varslavans, Veips, Zelenkovs; Gutkovskis, Ikaunieks
Latvia vs England
18:55
,
Mike Jones
This will be the second meeting between Latvia and England, with the first coming in March this year when the Three Lions won 3-0 at Wembley with goals from Reece James, Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze.
England's team changes
18:51
,
Mike Jones
Thomas Tuchel keeps things simple again and makes only a few minor adjustments to his starting XI for this match against Latvia.
Ollie Watkins has returned to Aston Villa meaning the captain, Harry Kane, returns to the starting lineup.
Marc Guehi sits this one out with Myles Lewis-Skelly slotting in at left-back. That means Ezri Konsa moves to centre-back and Djed Spence will likely shift over to right-back.
The midfield remains the same with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson anchoring behind the trio of Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon.
England XI to face Latvia
18:46
,
Mike Jones
England XI: Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Stones, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Rogers, Gordon; Kane
Your #ThreeLions for tonight's @FIFAWorldCup qualifier in Latvia pic.twitter.com/sJNISJhhAf
— England (@England) October 14, 2025
First time in Riga
18:32
,
Mike Jones
Tuchel’s side should not be too troubled against a side currently ranked 137th in the world, even if they are stepping into the unknown with a first ever visit to Riga.
The return fixture in March, which England won 3-0 in Tuchel’s second match in charge, is the only previous meeting between the two sides.
Latvia can no longer qualify for the World Cup, currently sitting fourth in the group with five points.
They drew 2-2 with Andorra on Friday, having also beaten the minnows in their reverse fixture while drawing with Albania.
The audition continues
18:26
,
Mike Jones
Thomas Tuchel raised eyebrows by leaving out Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish this month in order to reward the players who performed so well in September’s camp.
Some of them, such as Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Anthony Gordon, further strengthened their position in the side against Wales and should get another opportunity to shine in Latvia.
Tuchel named a strong squad against Wales, knowing there was a long enough turnaround before the trip to Latvia, and will again go strong tonight.
How many European teams will qualify for the World Cup?
18:20
,
Mike Jones
A total of 16 European teams will qualify for the expanded tournament next year. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations and will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The 12 qualifying group winners will automatically secure places at the tournament, with the remaining four spots being won through a play-off competition featuring the 12 second-place teams.
As of yet, no European nation has secured qualification, but England can be the first team to do so.
How can England qualify for the World Cup tonight?
18:14
,
Mike Jones
England currently sit at the top of Group K with 15 points, having won all five of their qualifying matches so far. That is a perfect record, bettered only by Norway in Group I, who have won all six of their games. Albania sit second in the table with 11 points, but have played one game more than the Three Lions, while Serbia, currently third, are eight points behind them with 7.
Victory over Latvia this evening would give England another three points and take them to 18, with two matches left to play. That would mean Albania would be unable to catch up – as the maximum number of points they can win is 17 – and England would secure their place at the top of the group. They would then qualify for the World Cup as group winners.
Pickford on staying focused during quiet spells
18:08
,
Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford made two crucial saves against Wales after long periods of the game when he was not involved in play.
“Every goalkeeper is different,” he explained.
“I’m quite vocal and communicate with my team. I feel like that keeps me in the game.
“Even if the ball is at the other end of the pitch, I’ll be moving about, keeping in the right line and just being switched on constantly.
“It’s something you get used to and something I’ve improved on over the years, just being in the right position at the right time and keeping communicating with the back four in front of me.
“That keeps me in sync with the game and when called upon, I should be there and ready to make an action.”
Pickford on breaking Banks' record
18:02
,
Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford broke a record held by Gordon Banks when he kept an eighth clean sheet in a row in the 3-0 win over Wales.
Of the achievement England’s No.1 said: “I think it’s good when you break them but I think everyone knows what I’m like – a team player and I’ll take credit sometimes but I think it’s a collective sport. We win together, we defend and we attack together.
“Like Harry [Kane] says, the defence starts from up top really. It’s all eleven of us putting a shift in and when I’m called upon, I’ll make the saves. It’s great to have that milestone and hopefully break it again and get nine.”
Thomas Tuchel warns Marcus Rashford not to be ‘disappointed’ at the end of his career
17:56
,
Miguel Delaney
Thomas Tuchel has warned Marcus Rashford that “he can be one of the best in the world” but that he still has to take “the right decisions” or “he will be disappointed in 10 years”.
The England manager even admitted that he recalled the 27-year-old for his first squad in March because he felt “it would help him if he felt my support”.
Tuchel, meanwhile, left the door open for the dropped Jude Bellingham by saying he would likely be in his leadership group if recalled.
Pickford on impact of Anderson and Rogers
17:50
,
Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford says Elliot and Anderson and Morgan Rogers have been ‘terrific’ since coming into the England fold.
“Elliot has been terrific and Morgan as well. I think Elliot in the last two games, just getting on the ball, half-turn, but the defensive side of it as well which not many people will see,” Pickford explained.
“For the back four with him in front of you, he’s always getting back and screening the centre forward like we did against Kieffer Moore the other – a big target – and he’s always there for second balls and breaks up the play well.
“Morgan, as well, you’ve seen it in the Serbia game and getting his first goal against Wales the other night is massive moment for him and hopefully see many more.
“Us as a group, it’s a great group to be around because you get welcomed straight away and you feel at home and not out of place and you let the football do the talking because we’ve got that good environment.”
Pickford on previous Latvia result
17:44
,
Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford sat down with the media ahead of tonight’s match and was asked about England’s previous win over Latvia.
He said: “It was a good game. Reece [James] came up with a great free kick and apart from that, we had a lot of the ball but we still had to be wary of the threat from Latvia.
“It was tight and hopefully for us, England will get on the front foot and get right after them.”
England will respect Latvia says Tuchel
17:38
,
Mike Jones
