Squad Assessments: England Book Their Place for the Upcoming Tournament

The national team secured their place at the next World Cup with a decisive victory over Latvia on the midweek fixture.

The Starting Lineup

• England's number one – Made a couple of good saves in the latter period to extend his impressive clean sheet run. That's nine straight in a row. 6.5
• The defender – Has adapted to international football with ease. Sterner tests lie ahead, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
• John Stones – Two games in five days will do the Manchester City defender a world of good. Still one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
• The centre-back – Chosen ahead of the other option and performed solidly. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
• Arsenal's talent – Appeared a little not at his best at times, expected given his scarce minutes at Arsenal. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
• Elliott Anderson – Seems irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Appears made for this level and has developed an strong partnership with Rice. 7
• The midfielder – Enjoying his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is displaying his creative abilities now. Becoming a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
• Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over other teams. It will be revealed next month who is the rightful holder of the number 10 shirt. 6
• Arsenal's star – Contributed an key pass to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
• The striker – At his peak. Boosted his count for the season to 20 goals. Has found the net 76 times for his country. Will he achieve 100? 8
• Anthony Gordon – Sharp finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has performed admirably during this fixture period. 7.5

England Substitutes

• The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
• The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a danger. 7
• The winger (for Saka 60) – Faces competition on his hands to earn a place when the squad is full. 6
• Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Predictably, handled everything in the air. 6
• Manchester United's star (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left stood out. 6

After a World Cup spot confirmed, the squad can now turn their attention for the World Cup with high hopes.