Player Ratings: The Three Lions Book Their Place for the Next World Cup
England clinched their place at the next World Cup with a convincing triumph over their opponents on the midweek fixture.
First Eleven Performance
- England's number one – Made a couple of good stops in the second half to maintain his remarkable clean sheet record. It's now nine consecutive in a row. 6.5
- The full-back – Has taken to international football like a duck to water. More challenging tests lie ahead, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7
- Manchester City's centre-back – A pair of fixtures in five days will do the Manchester City defender a great benefit. Still one of the automatic picks on the team-sheet, fitness permitting. 7
- Ezri Konsa – Selected ahead of his competitor and didn't put a foot wrong. Executed an superb last-ditch recovery tackle in the closing period to boot. 7
- The young defender – Looked a somewhat ring rusty at times, understandable given his lack of action at his club. An promising few months ahead. 6
- The midfielder – Seems irreplaceable in this England team at the moment. Appears made for this level and has formed an excellent partnership with Rice. 7
- The midfielder – Enjoying his number eight role. The mainstay of England's midfield is showing his attacking abilities now. Becoming a real all-round midfielder. 7
- The forward – Less influential as he has been in England's successes over previous opponents. The answer will come next month who is the true owner of the number 10 shirt. 6
- The winger – Provided an assist to his brilliant goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be vital to England's chances next summer. 7.5
- The striker – At his peak. Increased his tally for the season to 20 strikes. Has found the net 76 times for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8
- The forward – Precise finish to start things off for England here in Riga. Has done a good job during this international window. 7.5
The Bench Players
- The veteran (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6
- Eberechi Eze (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a danger. 7
- West Ham's attacker (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to be selected when all are available. 6
- The defender (for Stones 71) – Typically, managed everything in the air. 6
- The forward (for Gordon 71) – A speedy dash down the left caught the eye. 6
After a World Cup spot secured, England can now prepare for the World Cup with optimism.