🔗 Share this article Player Evaluations: England Secure a Spot for 2026 World Cup England earned their spot at the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable triumph over Latvia on the midweek fixture. The Starting Lineup England's number one – Pulled off a couple of fine saves in the second half to maintain his remarkable clean sheet record. It's now nine in a row. 6.5 The full-back – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. More challenging tests are coming, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7 The defender – A pair of fixtures in a short span will do the City defender a world of good. Remains one of the first names on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7 The centre-back – Selected ahead of Marc Guehi and didn't put a foot wrong. Made an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7 Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a slightly off the pace at times, understandable given his limited game time at his club. An interesting few months ahead. 6 Elliott Anderson – Looks essential in this England team at the moment. Seems suited to this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7 Arsenal's engine – Excelling in his advanced midfield role. The pillar of England's midfield is displaying his creative abilities now. Developing into a real all-round midfielder. 7 Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's wins over Serbia and Wales. It will be revealed next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6 Bukayo Saka – Added an assist to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5 The striker – Playing brilliantly. Took his count for the season to 20 goals. Has hit the back of the net 76 times for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8 The forward – Clinical finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has done a good job during this break. 7.5 England Substitutes The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6 The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a threat. 7 The winger (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6 Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Predictably, managed everything in the air. 6 Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6 After a World Cup spot secured, the squad can now focus for the upcoming tournament with high hopes.