Eberechi Eze was also on the scoresheet as England picked up the three points at Wembley
England were able to put a slow start behind them to romp to a 3-0 win at home to Latvia in World Cup qualifying on Monday night. Thomas Tuchel's second game in charge ended in victory even despite his side nearly having to do it the hard way against the Baltic minnows.
Remarkably, Latvia should have been in front inside 18 minutes. A mix-up between Jordan Pickford and Marc Guehi allowed Vladislavs Gutkovskis in on goal, but with the open net gaping, he somehow fired wide.
With their next attack, England were furious they were denied a penalty, with Marcus Rashford judged to have gone down too early and easily when faced with a slide tackle from Roberts Savalnieks. Seconds later, the Three Lions went agonisingly close from a Declan Rice corner, with Ezri Konsa's half-volley tipped over by goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris. Another penalty appeal came and went when Zviedris appeared to tumble over Jarrod Bowen after failing to catch a teasing cross from Rashford onto the head of Jude Bellingham, and the decision was still cleared even after an extremely lengthy VAR check.
Shortly before half-time, England broke the deadlock through Reece James. The Chelsea right-back took charge of a free-kick some 25 yards from goal, and his effort curled up and over the wall to give the hosts the lead.
After the break, Harry Kane went agonisingly close to scoring his 71st goal for England with a curled effort from just inside the box as Tuchel's side set out to double their advantage. Kane got exactly that minutes later when he was on hand to tap in a superb ball across the face of goal from Rice.
England's third soon followed when substitute Eberechi Eze danced his way inside from the left and saw a low strike deflect in at the near post, securing the three points for good.
GOAL rates England's players from Wembley Stadium…
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Jordan Pickford (5/10):
Has to take at least a slice of blame for the kerfuffle which led to Gutkovskis missing an open goal. Otherwise had little to do.
Reece James (8/10):
Made a scoring return on his first England start since September 2022 with a simply sensational free-kick. Had the burners put on him early doors but quickly grew into the contest after that. Once more rounded off the evening as a left-back.
Ezri Konsa (7/10):
Seemingly Tuchel's first-choice centre-back among this crop of players having started both qualifiers this international window. Took a heavy knock towards the end of the first half, but soldiered on and became more involved in attacks in the second 45.
Marc Guehi (4/10):
Two Latvia openings came directly from Guehi errors, firstly after scrambling the ball away from Pickford and then a heavy touch allowed Alvis Jaunzems a shot at goal from the edge of the box.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):
Found himself inverting into midfield far more than against Albania when he tended to overlap the winger instead. Replaced by Walker for the closing stages.
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Declan Rice (7/10):
Marshalled the central of the pitch alone with his midfield peers given the freedom to roam higher up. When afforded the opportunity to get forward himself, he came up with an assist for Kane. Again came off for Henderson.
Morgan Rogers (6/10):
Flew into pockets of the right half-space to work in tandem with Bowen on that flank. Finished the game on the right wing once England's other natural wingers had been withdrawn.
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
Similarly combined with Rashford down the left, where most of England's best attacks were forged. Tuchel's gameplan of getting Bellingham as many touches as possible in the final third has made them a slightly better watch in an attacking sense. Given a rest for the final 25 minutes, with Foden replacing him.
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Jarrod Bowen (6/10):
Took a hell of a kicking from Latvia's dogged defenders, while he was unlucky not to have earned a penalty after being clattered by Zviedris. Provided some teasing crosses before being substituted for Eze.
Harry Kane (8/10):
Didn't drop anywhere as deep this time around compared to the Albania game in which he consistently moved into midfield. Caught himself snatching at a couple of headers though was always an outlet and didn't go hiding, with his endeavour eventually rewarded with a goal.
Marcus Rashford (7/10):
Forming a fine partnership with Bellingham down the left in the first half before swapping flanks with Bowen. Did the fundamentals well and though some of his actions were inaccurate, he made the right decisions time and time again, which has been a problem point of his game all throughout his career to date. Taken off for Jones.
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Eberechi Eze (8/10):
Came on for Bowen on the hour mark. Scored his first goal for the Three Lions at the end of a weaving dribble, a just reward for bringing an extra spark to the second half.
Phil Foden (6/10):
Played in his preferred midfield position having replaced Bellingham, but his only contribution of note was a neat switch of play for Eze.
Curtis Jones (N/A):
Given another chance in the middle of the park, coming on for Rashford.
Jordan Henderson (N/A):
There was a very tiny smattering of boos when Henderson replaced Rice.
Kyle Walker (N/A):
Ended the night at right-back.
Thomas Tuchel (7/10):
Latvia's rare openings were hardly to do with Tuchel's coaching, but his side's extra dimension in attack is something he should take credit for. Could be seen demonstrating to Eze how he wanted the Crystal Palace star to attack the Latvia defence shortly before scoring.
