England Dominates Latvia 3-0 In World Cup Qualifier

England’s national football team has secured a confident victory, defeating Latvia 3-0 in the second round of the UEFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers on March 24, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. The match marked another step in England’s journey under new coach Thomas Tuchel, following his appointment after Gareth Southgate’s exit.

The match commenced at 13:45 local time, with both teams hunting their second consecutive win in the qualifiers. England had kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Albania, while Latvia came into the match on a high after overcoming Andorra 1-0 in their opening game.

Wembley witnessed three impressive goals from the English side, with each player contributing to a solid performance. Reece James opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a brilliant free kick that curved beautifully into the net, leaving Latvia's goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris with no chance. This goal set the tone for the match, as England dominated possession and play throughout the first half.

Harry Kane doubled the score in the 68th minute, marking his 71st international goal. He executed a perfectly timed finish following a precise cross from Declan Rice, securing his place as one of England’s most prolific scorers. Kane's experience showed as he capitalized on every opportunity presented to him.

As the match neared its conclusion, Eberechi Eze netted England’s third goal in the 76th minute. The Crystal Palace player, who had just been substituted in, displayed remarkable skill with an individual effort that culminated in a deflected shot that found its way into the back of the net. This marked his first goal for the national team, further exemplifying the effectiveness of Tuchel's squad rotation.

Leading the team, new manager Thomas Tuchel has already made an impact. He took over from Gareth Southgate, who departed after eight years at the helm of the English national team, having led them in over 100 matches, including two World Cups and two European Championships. Now, Tuchel has the backing of the Football Association (FA) and the fans to guide the Three Lions through this qualifying campaign, which is crucial as they aim for a successful World Cup outing in 2026, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Speaking about the team's performance, Tuchel noted, "We can see in the numbers and when we watch the match how much effort they put into defending and counter-pressing. For the moment, nobody will be ruled out due to their performances. We did what was necessary, but we can do better. We will focus on areas that need improvement.”

Latvia's coach, Paolo Nicolato, acknowledged England’s football evolution, stating, "In the last 20 years, England has become the main league we focus on. It has changed the way we play football, with many young players rising to the top. We are not here just to play; we have to demonstrate our worth.”

The qualifying structure sees 16 teams from UEFA compete for World Cup slots, with England currently standing strong at the top of Group K after their two games. The group includes teams like Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra, with the top 12 group winners qualifying directly for the tournament, while the second-placed teams will enter a playoff for additional spots.

Before the game, the two teams had never faced each other in any competitive match, making this encounter historic for Latvia. The match was filled with excitement and substantial pressure on both sides, not just for a win but for positioning in the qualifying standings. As the match neared its end, England's cohesion and tactical superiority were clear.

With this victory, England has reinforced its status as a strong contender in the World Cup qualifiers. The triumphant atmosphere at Wembley is a testament to the winning spirit of the team and their fans' unwavering support. As Thomas Tuchel continues to integrate his coaching philosophy, the expectation of success remains high.

In addition to the impressive scoreline, the match also highlighted potential growth areas, as both Tuchel and Nicolato voiced the need for further development in their respective squads. With a firm foundation already established, England's journey in the qualifiers appears promising as they prepare for upcoming matches.

Looking ahead, England takes a positive momentum into their next match against Andorra, aiming to maintain their winning streak and solidify their chances of advancing to the World Cup. Fans eagerly await to see how Tuchel's strategies will unfold as the qualifiers progress, hoping for a triumphant path to the World Cup.