🔗 Share this article Player Assessments: England Qualify for the Next World Cup Gareth Southgate's side secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a convincing victory over their opponents on Tuesday evening. The Starting Lineup The goalkeeper – Pulled off a couple of excellent stops in the second half to maintain his remarkable clean sheet streak. That's nine in a row. 6.5 Djed Spence – Has adapted to international football like a duck to water. More challenging tests lie ahead, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7 The defender – A pair of fixtures in a short span will do the City defender a great benefit. Still one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7 Ezri Konsa – Selected ahead of the other option and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an excellent last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7 The young defender – Looked a somewhat off the pace at times, understandable given his lack of action at Arsenal. An promising few months ahead. 6 Newcastle's star – Looks undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks made for this level and has developed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7 Arsenal's engine – Thriving in his advanced midfield role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his creative abilities now. Developing into a genuine all-round midfielder. 7 The attacker – Quieter as he has been in England's successes over other teams. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6 Bukayo Saka – Contributed an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5 The captain – At his peak. Took his tally for the season to 20 strikes. Has hit the back of the net 76 occasions for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8 The forward – Clinical finish to get the ball rolling for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this fixture period. 7.5 Subs' Impact Jordan Henderson (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6 Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Superbly finished goal and a danger. 7 Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to be selected when everyone's fit. 6 Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – As you'd expect, dealt with everything aerially. 6 Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left was noticeable. 6 With qualification secured, England can now prepare for the upcoming tournament with high hopes.