England crush Latvia 5–0 to seal World Cup qualification

England booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion with a 5–0 victory over Latvia in Riga. The result ensured Thomas Tuchel’s men finished top of Group K, extending the Three Lions’ unbeaten run in World Cup qualifiers to 37 matches, the best record in Europe.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring midway through the first half, curling home from close range after John Stones’ clever assist. 

England doubled their lead when Harry Kane fired in from distance before converting a penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 3–0. The visitors dominated possession, showing composure and precision as they put the game beyond Latvia’s reach before the break.

England’s fourth came just before the hour mark when Martins Toņiševs turned Bukayo Saka’s low cross into his own net under pressure. Substitute Eberechi Eze then rounded off the rout in the 86th minute, finishing calmly after a smart assist from Jarrod Bowen. 

It was a fitting conclusion to a night of total dominance from Tuchel’s side, who were clinical in attack and relentless in their pressing.

The victory capped off a qualifying campaign where England displayed both depth and discipline, with new faces like Djed Spence and Elliot Anderson impressing alongside established stars. 

The Three Lions have now scored in each of their past 18 matches, their best attacking run in over seven decades. Tuchel, appointed earlier this year, celebrated on the sidelines with a raised fist as the final whistle confirmed his first major milestone as England head coach.

Fans inside the Daugavas Stadiona erupted into chants of “World Cup here we come,” as England supporters celebrated qualification with travelling fans in full voice despite heavy rain. Former England defender Matt Upson praised the team’s energy, saying: “They’ve kept their intensity from start to finish, hunting in packs, playing with purpose, and showing real hunger.”

The win means England qualify top of Group K, ahead of Serbia and Albania, and will now turn their focus to next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

With momentum, fitness, and form all on their side, Tuchel’s men will enter the World Cup among the favorites, but tougher challenges against the world’s elite still lie ahead.