England continued their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley Stadium on March 24, 2025.
Under the management of Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions aimed to secure their second consecutive win in Group K, following a solid 2-0 triumph against Albania in their previous match. Myles Lewis-Skelly made headlines as England's youngest debut goalscorer in that matchup, while captain Harry Kane also added another goal to his impressive tally.
Latvia, on the other hand, began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Andorra, securing their first points in this qualifying round. However, they faced a tough challenge against England, who had not lost a home qualifier since the year 2000.
As the match got underway, England's attacking prowess was on full display. The first goal came in the 38th minute when Reece James scored a stunning free-kick from 25 yards out, sending the ball soaring into the top corner and leaving Latvia's goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris with no chance.
Despite some initial nervous moments, including a missed opportunity for Latvia when Vladislavs Gutkovskis shot into the side netting following a defensive mix-up between Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford, England maintained control.
After halftime, the home side pressed for a second goal, and they found it in the 68th minute. Kane once again proved his worth as he tapped in a low cross from Declan Rice at the far post.
Adding to the scoreline, Eberechi Eze, who came off the bench, made an immediate impact. In the 76th minute, his skillful run ended with a deflected shot that found its way into the back of the net, concluding the match at 3-0.
Tuchel's men had plenty of shots—27 in total—compared to Latvia's mere 3, showcasing their dominance. The team's possession also reflected their control, with England holding 74% throughout the match.
This victory marked the team's second win under Tuchel, as they finished the international break on a high note. However, the England manager acknowledged that despite the positive outcome, there is still room for improvement moving forward.
Kane's goal marked his 71st international goal, placing him on par with Miroslav Klose, a former German striker and fellow World Cup Golden Boot winner.
Looking ahead, England will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their qualifying campaign for the World Cup, with their sights set on one day lifting the trophy.
