England secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Latvia, with Reece James and Eberechi Eze both netting their first senior international goals. This win marks two successes in a row for Thomas Tuchel’s team in their World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.
Chelsea’s right back, James, marked his first England start since 2022 by curling in a stunning free kick that broke the deadlock in the 38th minute of the Group K encounter at Wembley.
Recent Performances
In their 2-0 victory against Albania on Friday, England occasionally struggled to break through a packed defense. However, captain Harry Kane extended their lead in the 68th minute with a simple tap-in after receiving a well-placed pass from Declan Rice.
Eze made a notable impact after coming off the bench, showcasing his skills with a dazzling run. His effort paid off in the 76th minute when his shot, aided by a deflection, found the back of the net, bringing the score to 3-0.
Coach and Player Reactions
It wasn’t an easy match, Tuchel shared with ITV. We showcased some great aspects of our game and created several good opportunities. It took a free-kick to break the deadlock. I’m pleased with the attitude, energy, and drive the players showed. We’re on the right path.
Kane remarked, “I believe we created more patterns of play and had more chances compared to Friday’s match. However, it was still challenging, facing a team that sat back with all 11 players behind the ball. Overall, we can take satisfaction from achieving two wins and two clean sheets.”
Group Standings and Qualification Battle
Favorites England currently lead the group with six points, followed by Albania and Latvia, both of whom have three points after Albania’s 3-0 victory against Andorra in Monday’s match. Only the group winners will secure an automatic spot in next year’s finals, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Tuchel was open in his assessment of England’s performance against Albania during his debut match on Friday. In preparation for the upcoming match against Latvia, who is ranked 140th, he made four adjustments to the lineup, notably bringing in his former Chelsea right back, James, to replace Kyle Walker.
Match Dynamics and Analysis
The German coach appeared frustrated at various points during the first half where England, as expected, commanded the game. They produced 17 goal attempts and numerous inaccurate crosses, yet they struggled to find their rhythm and lacked a certain spark.
A clear indication that the Wembley crowd is feeling bored is when paper aeroplanes begin to float down from the stands, and a few had already landed on the field by the time James made his breakthrough.
After assessing the situation for a free kick from a central spot just outside the penalty area, James unleashed a brilliant right-footed shot that curled perfectly inside the post, leaving Latvia’s talented goalkeeper, Krisjanis Zviedris, with no chance to respond.
Player Insights
“It’s been quite a while, and the past two years have been incredibly frustrating for me,” James said, noting that his international career has faced setbacks due to a string of injuries.
“I’m thrilled to receive another call-up from my nation. I noticed the wall and thought I could curve it. I was somewhat taken aback that it ended up in the net.”
Controversial and Critical Moments
Prior to that moment, England had a strong appeal for a penalty dismissed by VAR after Zviedris knocked Jarrod Bowen down, while the goalkeeper pulled off an incredible reflex save to deny Ezri Konsa.
In their first-ever encounter with England, Latvia had the game’s opening opportunity when defender Marc Guehi, one of Tuchel’s adjustments, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford mishandled a long ball. This left Vladislavs Gutkovskis with a golden chance to secure his place in Latvian football history, but in a moment of haste, he rushed his shot and struck the side netting instead.
Final Stages of the Match
England pressed on in the second half, attempting a total of 41 crosses throughout the match, but Latvia held their ground with a well-organized defense.
Kane simply couldn’t miss when Rice sent the ball across the area, allowing the skipper to slot in his record-extending 71st goal for England and practically seal the victory.
Eze, who took over from the underwhelming Bowen, added some much-needed energy in the latter stages of the match with his skillful runs down the left flank. His goal solidified his status as one of the standout players in Tuchel’s second game in charge.
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