England made it two wins from two in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, dispatching Latvia 3-0 at home in a match that showcased both their attacking flair and defensive resilience. A breathtaking free-kick from Reece James, followed by goals from Harry Kane and substitute Eberechi Eze, ensured the Three Lions extended their remarkable unbeaten home record in qualifying matches to 30 (W27, D3) under the watchful eye of new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Albania to kick off the Tuchel era, England entered the game with confidence and wasted no time asserting their dominance against a Latvia side ranked significantly lower. The hosts controlled possession from the outset, pressing high and probing for openings, though their early profligacy nearly cost them. In a rare Latvian foray forward, Vladislavs Gutkovskis squandered a golden opportunity, firing wide from close range after a mix-up between Marc Guehi and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford left the England defense exposed. It was a let-off the Three Lions would not take lightly.
Spurred by the scare, England intensified their efforts. Ezri Konsa came close with a venomous strike that Latvian goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris tipped over the bar, while Kane, ever the focal point, nodded a header over from eight yards out. Despite their territorial dominance, the breakthrough remained elusive as Latvia�s resolute defending frustrated the home side. That was until the 42nd minute, when Reece James stepped up to deliver a moment of magic. Awarded a free-kick just outside the box, the Chelsea full-back curled an exquisite effort into the top corner, leaving Zviedris rooted to the spot and sending the crowd into raptures. It was James� first international goal, and a fitting reward for England�s relentless first-half pressure.
The second half resumed with the same one-sided rhythm, England dictating play and Latvia struggling to escape their own half. Yet, for all their possession, clear chances were at a premium. Kane curled an effort narrowly wide from inside the penalty area, and the Latvian backline stood firm, thwarting England�s attempts to turn dominance into goals. The visitors� resistance finally cracked in the 68th minute, however, when Declan Rice�s pinpoint low cross found Kane lurking at the back post. The captain made no mistake, tapping in for his 71st England goal and effectively putting the game beyond doubt.
With Latvia�s spirit broken, England added a third in the 75th minute through substitute Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace star, introduced to inject fresh legs, marked his first international goal with a low shot that took a deflection en route to the net, wrong-footing Zviedris. It was a deserved moment for Eze, whose cameo underlined England�s depth and attacking options under Tuchel.
The closing stages saw England cruise to the finish line, though not without testing Latvia�s goalkeeper further. Zviedris produced fine saves to deny Morgan Rogers and Kane, ensuring the scoreline remained respectable for the visitors in what was the first-ever competitive meeting between the two nations. Latvia, to their credit, avoided a heavier defeat, but they were comprehensively outclassed by a Three Lions side growing in confidence under their new manager.
Tuchel will be pleased with the result and the performance, which blended moments of brilliance with a solid foundation. James� stunning free-kick will undoubtedly steal the headlines, but the contributions of Kane and Eze, alongside a disciplined team display, signal a promising start to England�s World Cup journey. As the final whistle blew, the Three Lions celebrated a comfortable three points, their sights firmly set on qualification for 2026. For Latvia, it was a tough lesson against elite opposition, but they depart with heads held high after a spirited, if ultimately fruitless, defensive effort.
