🔗 Share this article Squad Assessments: England Qualify for the Upcoming Tournament Gareth Southgate's side secured their berth at the 2026 World Cup with a convincing triumph over Latvia on the midweek fixture. The Starting Lineup The goalkeeper – Made a couple of excellent stops in the second half to maintain his remarkable clean sheet run. It's now nine in a row. 6.5 Djed Spence – Seems at home in international football seamlessly. Tougher tests are coming, of course, but a good start to his England career. 7 John Stones – Two matches in less than a week will do the Manchester City defender a lot of good. Remains one of the automatic picks on the starting lineup, fitness permitting. 7 Aston Villa's defender – Picked ahead of the other option and was flawless. Executed an outstanding last-ditch recovery tackle in the later stages to boot. 7 The young defender – Appeared a slightly not at his best at times, understandable given his lack of action at his club. An intriguing few months ahead. 6 The midfielder – Appears essential in this England team at the moment. Seems made for this level and has developed an productive partnership with Rice. 7 Declan Rice – Enjoying his advanced midfield role. The pillar of England's midfield is displaying his offensive abilities now. Emerging as a real all-round midfielder. 7 Morgan Rogers – Less influential as he has been in England's victories over Serbia and Wales. The answer will come next month who is the leading candidate of the number 10 shirt. 6 Bukayo Saka – Contributed an setup to his excellent goal against Wales last Thursday. Will be crucial to England's chances next summer. 7.5 The striker – Playing brilliantly. Took his total for the season to 20 goals. Has scored 76 occasions for his country. Is 100 possible 100? 8 The forward – Precise finish to get the ball rolling for England here in the Latvian capital. Has acquitted himself well during this fixture period. 7.5 The Bench Players Jordan Henderson (for Rice 60) – Maintained the tempo in midfield. 6 Crystal Palace's star (for Rogers 60) – Excellently taken goal and a threat. 7 The winger (for Saka 60) – Battles on his hands to make the squad when the squad is full. 6 Dan Burn (for Stones 71) – Predictably, dealt with everything in the air. 6 Marcus Rashford (for Gordon 71) – One pacy run down the left stood out. 6 After a World Cup spot secured, England can now focus for next summer with confidence.