Player Ratings: England Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament
England earned their berth at the global tournament with a convincing win over their opponents on the midweek fixture.
England's Starting XI
- England's number one – Pulled off a few of excellent stops in the second half to maintain his remarkable clean sheet record. That's nine in a row. 6.5
- The defender – Seems at home in international football like a duck to water. Sterner tests are coming, of course, but a promising start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in less than a week will do the City defender a world of good. Remains one of the key players on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Selected ahead of his competitor and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7
- Arsenal's talent – Appeared a somewhat off the pace at times, understandable given his scarce minutes at Arsenal. An intriguing few months ahead. 6
- Elliott Anderson – Seems undroppable in this England team at the moment. Appears suited to this level and has formed an strong partnership with Rice. 7
- Declan Rice – Excelling in his number eight role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his creative abilities now. Emerging as a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- Morgan Rogers – Quieter as he has been in England's wins over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6
- Arsenal's star – Added an setup to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's hopes next summer. 7.5
- Harry Kane – At his peak. Increased his total 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 open the scoring for England here in Riga. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5
England Substitutes
- Jordan Henderson (for Rice 60) – Kept things moving in midfield. 6
- Crystal Palace's star (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
- Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Typically, handled everything aerially. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6
With qualification secured, the team can now focus for next summer with optimism.