England Maintain Strong Start Under Tuchel with Commanding Victory Against Latvia

England secured their second consecutive victory in the qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a dazzling free-kick from Reece James propelling the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Latvia. This victory extended their impressive unbeaten streak at home in qualifying matches to 30 games (W27, D3).

After commencing the Thomas Tuchel era with a straightforward 2-0 win against Albania on Friday, England aimed to keep the momentum going with a strong start against Latvia.

As expected, the Three Lions controlled the early exchanges, but they were somewhat fortunate not to concede when Vladislavs Gutkovskis astonishingly missed the target from close range following a mix-up between Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford.

Feeling relieved, Tuchel’s side intensified their efforts to find the opener. Ezri Konsa had a fierce shot deflected over the bar by Krisjanis Zviedris, and Harry Kane mistimed his header, sending the ball soaring over from eight yards out.

The one-sided action continued as half-time approached, and the home side’s relentless pressure eventually bore fruit when James delivered a magnificent free-kick into the top corner, marking his first international goal.

The initial phases of the second half mirrored the first, with England enjoying ample possession and control.

However, the Latvian defence held firm, limiting the hosts to few clear opportunities as Kane narrowly missed, curling a shot just wide from inside the box.

Refusing to be denied, England finally extended their lead in the 68th minute. Declan Rice’s inviting low cross was expertly converted by Kane at the back post, notching his 71st goal for the Three Lions.

This effectively sealed victory for Tuchel’s men, who struck again 15 minutes from time. Substitute Eberechi Eze marked his international debut with a low deflected shot finding the net.

Latvia managed to fend off further damage in the dying minutes, with Zviedris making crucial saves from Morgan Rogers and Kane as England comfortably coasted to the final whistle, securing three points in their inaugural meeting with the Baltic nation.

Other results from qualifying:

Poland 2-0 Malta

Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-1 Cyprus

San Marino 1-5 Romania

Albania 3-0 Andorra

Lithuania 2-2 Finland