Squad Assessments: England Secure a Spot for the Next World Cup

The national team clinched their place at the next World Cup with a comfortable triumph over their opponents on Tuesday evening.

The Starting Lineup

• Jordan Pickford – Pulled off a few of fine saves in the second half to extend his remarkable clean sheet streak. That's nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
• The full-back – Has taken to international football with ease. More challenging tests lie ahead, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
• The defender – Two games in a short span will do the City defender a world of good. Still one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• Ezri Konsa – Chosen ahead of his competitor and performed solidly. Made an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
• Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a slightly off the pace at times, understandable given his scarce minutes at his club. An interesting few months ahead. 6
• Newcastle's star – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Seems suited to this level and has struck up an productive partnership with Rice. 7
• The midfielder – Excelling in his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his creative abilities now. Emerging as a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
• The forward – Not as impactful as he has been in England's wins over other teams. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Bukayo Saka – Contributed an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be key to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
• The striker – Playing brilliantly. Increased his total for the season to 20 strikes. Has found the net 76 goals for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
• The forward – Sharp finish to get the ball rolling for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5

The Bench Players

• Jordan Henderson (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a danger. 7
• The winger (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to earn a place when everyone's fit. 6
• Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, managed everything with his height. 6
• Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A quick burst down the left caught the eye. 6

After qualification booked, the team can now prepare for the upcoming tournament with high hopes.