England secured their second consecutive win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Latvia. A spectacular free-kick from Reece James helped the Three Lions extend their impressive unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifying to 30 matches (W27, D3).
Strong Start Under Tuchel
After a 2-0 win against Albania, England aimed to maintain momentum against Latvia. They controlled possession early on but had a scare when Vladislavs Gutkovskis missed a clear chance following a defensive mix-up between Marc Guéhi and Jordan Pickford.
Grateful for the let-off, England increased their attacking intensity. Ezri Konsa forced a save with a powerful strike, and Harry Kane squandered a close-range header. As halftime approached, James finally broke the deadlock with a stunning free-kick into the top corner, marking his first international goal.
England in Control
The second half mirrored the first, with England dominating possession. Latvia’s defense remained resilient, restricting clear-cut chances. Kane came close again, curling a shot just wide from inside the box.
Despite Latvia’s defensive efforts, England remained in control. Late in the match, Krišjānis Zviedris made crucial saves against Morgan Rogers and Kane, ensuring no further damage. England comfortably secured three points in their first-ever clash with Latvia.
Other Key Results
- Lithuania 2-2 Finland: A thrilling draw as both teams showcased resilience.
- Poland 2-0 Malta: Poland secured a dominant victory, reinforcing their strength.
Group H
- Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 Cyprus: A closely contested match with Bosnia and Herzegovina emerging victorious.
- San Marino 1-5 Romania: Romania delivered a commanding performance to overpower San Marino.
Group K
- Albania 3-0 Andorra: Albania’s attacking prowess led to a decisive win.
These results have set the stage for an exciting qualification journey. Fans can look forward to more action-packed matches as teams compete for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
