England Qualify for 2026 World Cup as Eberechi Eze Scores and Tuchel’s Side Cruise Past Latvia

England book their 2026 World Cup spot with a 5–0 win over Latvia as Eberechi Eze scores and Bukayo Saka assists in a flawless display.

England have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 5–0 win over Latvia in Riga. The result confirmed England’s perfect Group K record, with six wins from six matches under manager Thomas Tuchel. Moreover, the Three Lions have now scored 18 goals and conceded none, showcasing their balance between attack and defence.

England became the first European nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after another confident and clinical performance. The team dominated possession from the outset and never allowed Latvia a way back into the game. As a result, England’s qualification campaign remains flawless — a reflection of Tuchel’s tactical precision and squad discipline.

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Eze Shines as Kane Leads the Way

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring with a calm finish following sustained pressure. Shortly after, Harry Kane doubled the lead and later converted from the penalty spot to complete his brace. Meanwhile, an own goal from Andrejs Ciganiks compounded Latvia’s defensive struggles before Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze rounded off the night with a composed strike to make it 5–0.

Furthermore, Eze’s goal was his second for England, underlining his growing confidence and importance in the national setup. His composure and creativity added another dimension to England’s attacking play.

Tactically, Thomas Tuchel showcased his trademark control. England’s structure emphasized high pressing, smooth transitions, and intelligent positioning. In addition, the midfield trio of Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Eberechi Eze dictated the tempo, recycling possession efficiently and maintaining attacking rhythm.

At the back, John Stones and Ezri Konsa led the defence with authority, ensuring Latvia failed to register a single shot on target. Consequently, England extended their run of six consecutive clean sheets in the qualifiers.

“We’re building something special,” Tuchel said post-match. “The players showed maturity, hunger, and a real desire to keep improving.”

With qualification secured, England can now focus on preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The squad’s mix of experienced stars such as Harry Kane and emerging talents like Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon makes them strong contenders for the title.

In addition, the final two qualifiers — including a crucial clash with Serbia — will provide Tuchel with opportunities to fine-tune tactics and evaluate squad depth. Therefore, every minute on the pitch will count as England continue to build momentum ahead of the World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington, D.C.

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