For the first time since Euro 1992 an England starting eleven was named without a Man United, Man City or Liverpool player.
The Three Lions started the first half rather slowly but got their first goal on the 38th minute as Reece James scored from a set piece.
Harry Kane would get England’s second goal of the game with an effort from close range.
Eberechi Eze made an impact off the bench getting his first goal for England.
England top the group on six points and have six games left of the qualifying stage.
Their next game is against Andorra away in their third qualifying game in June before a friendly with Senegal at the City Ground in Nottingham.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Wasn’t really tested throughout as Latvia were limited to only three shots. However, some poor judgement to come off his line presented the striker with an attempt which found the side netting in the first half where he could have communicated better with Marc Guehi.
Was the most accurate passer to play more than 45 minutes in the game completing all nine of the ones he attempted.
Reece James – 8
Won Player of the Match and started his first England game since September 2022. Scored the first goal of the game with a wonderful direct free kick. His effort found its way into the top right corner and was his first goal for the country.
Played on the left of the back four after Kyle Walker was brought on off the bench. Got stuck in and made eight recoveries. In general, a composed performance.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Was the most fouled player in the match being fouled five times. He also had a couple of efforts following corners from close range that were saved by the goalkeeper.
Put his body on the line winning seven ground duels and shielding the ball well against Dario Sits.
Marc Guehi – 6
Looked to make things happen making 20 passes into the final third, however, he did also make an error leading to goal in the first half.
Retained his place in the starting eleven after scoring on his debut. He moved around the pitch well, inverting into midfield and playing as a six, and supporting his Arsenal teammate Rice. His versatility was represented by him also being found on the right at times.
He completed all but one of his passes and won a couple of fouls, shielding the ball well and putting his body in front of his man. Twelve of his passes were into the final third, and he made five recoveries.
Declan Rice – 7
Progressed the ball well, carrying it into the final third at times. Played a few good corners throughout and got the assist for Harry Kane’s goal after he made a well-timed run to get on the end of a pass from Rogers.
Gave away a free kick, but that was unlucky as he appeared to win the ball.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Played in a deeper role than usual and it was not his greatest game as he lost the most duels in the match losing nine. Picked up a yellow in the first half for a foul.
No player had more shots on goal than the Real Madrid man with six. But half of these were blocked.
Jarrod Bowen – 5
Not his best game. There was some good movement, but his end product was not at its best, with numerous wayward crosses failing to find a teammate. Switched to the left at half-time and was withdrawn at the hour mark for Eze.
Created three chances and lost three of his duels.
Morgan Rogers – 7
On his first start for England got the pre assist for Harry Kane’s goal with a lovely weighted ball for Rice.
He was unlucky not to score as his shot towards goal was tipped over the bar by Krisjanis Zviedris.
Marcus Rashford – 6
For the first time since October 2023 the 27-year-old started back-to-back England games. The majority of his appearances under former manager Gareth Southgate came off the bench.
He was sharp throughout his time on the pitch and switched with Bowen at the start of the second half, operating the right while the West Ham player operated the left.
However, his crossing was mainly inaccurate.
Harry Kane – 7
He got his 71st goal for his country on his 115th appearance, getting on the end of Declan Rice’s low cross at the back post.
Had a great chance to make it 2-0 before he eventually did shooting wide after receiving Jude Bellingham’s pass.
Eberechi Eze – 7
Made his 10th appearance for England and became the first Crystal Palace player to score for England since Peter Taylor in 1976. Quite a lucky finish as it took a massive deflection from the defender.
Eze also created a couple of other opportunities, but these were overhit or retrieved by the defender.
Phil Foden – 6
Grabbed the assist for Eze’s goal with a pass down the left flank. The 24 year old ran well off the ball pressing the defence but took one set piece and his corner went directly to the hands of Zviedris.
Curtis Jones – N/A
Only had ten minutes from the bench and struggled to make a major impact as he only had nine touches. However, he did create a couple of chances and made a pass into the final third.
Jordan Henderson – N/A
Moved well off the ball with some good runs and passing. Tried to play a chipped long ball into the box for Eze, but that was cleared.
Kyle Walker – N/A
Had ten minutes on and allowed Rogers to have a run at his full back playing six of his passes into the final third and won both of his tackles.
