Squad Assessments: The Three Lions Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament
England clinched their place at the global tournament with a decisive victory over Latvia on Tuesday evening.
England's Starting XI
- Jordan Pickford – Made a couple of fine stops in the latter period to maintain his impressive clean sheet streak. That's nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
- The full-back – Has adapted to international football with ease. Sterner tests are coming, of course, but a positive start to his England career. 7
- The defender – Two games in five days will do the City defender a lot of good. Remains one of the first names on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7
- The centre-back – Selected ahead of Marc Guehi and was flawless. Made an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the second half to boot. 7
- Myles Lewis-Skelly – Appeared a somewhat ring rusty at times, understandable given his limited game time at Arsenal. An interesting few months ahead. 6
- Newcastle's star – Seems undroppable in this England team at the moment. Looks suited to this level and has developed an strong partnership with Rice. 7
- Arsenal's engine – Excelling in his number eight role. The backbone of England's midfield is demonstrating his creative abilities now. Developing into a genuine all-round midfielder. 7
- The attacker – Not as impactful 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
- Arsenal's star – Provided an assist to his superb goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The striker – Playing brilliantly. Boosted his total for the season to 20 scores. Has hit the back of the net 76 times for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
- Anthony Gordon – Sharp finish to open the scoring for England here in away. Has acquitted himself well during this break. 7.5
The Bench Players
- The experienced midfielder (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- The playmaker (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a danger. 7
- Jarrod Bowen (for Saka 60) – Has a fight on his hands to be selected when all are available. 6
- Newcastle's full-back (for Stones 71) – Predictably, dealt with everything in the air. 6
- Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left caught the eye. 6
After their place secured, the team can now focus for the World Cup with high hopes.
