England continued their perfect start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifying campaign with a 3-0 win over Latvia at Wembley Stadium on Monday night, marking their second victory in four days under new head coach Thomas Tuchel. Goals from Reece James, Harry Kane, and Eberechi Eze sealed the points in a match that, while not always thrilling, showcased moments of quality against a determined Latvian side ranked 140th in the world.
The evening began with a sense of anticipation as Tuchel, in only his second game in charge, handed a rare start to Chelsea captain Reece James—his first for England since September 2022. James repaid that faith spectacularly in the 38th minute, curling a magnificent free-kick from 25 yards into the top corner to break the deadlock. The strike, described by Tuchel as a moment of “pure quality,” lifted a crowd that had grown restless during a first half dominated by England but lacking in clear chances.
Latvia, under manager Paolo Nicolato, arrived with a clear game plan: frustrate the Three Lions with a compact, disciplined defense. For much of the match, they succeeded, limiting England’s attacking flair despite the hosts enjoying over 70% possession. A golden opportunity for the visitors came early in the second half when a mix-up between goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and defender Marc Guehi allowed Vladislavs Gutkovskis a clear shot at goal. However, the Latvian striker skewed his effort wide from a tight angle, a miss that proved costly.
England’s persistence paid off in the 68th minute when captain Harry Kane tapped in from close range after a pinpoint low cross from Declan Rice, marking his 71st goal for his country and further cementing his status as England’s all-time leading scorer. The goal opened the floodgates, and substitute Eberechi Eze added a third in the 76th minute, his first international strike. The Crystal Palace winger danced past two defenders before firing a low shot that deflected off Latvia’s Antonijs Cernomordijs and past goalkeeper Zviedris.
While the scoreline suggests a routine victory, the performance was not without its critiques. England’s play, particularly in the first half, lacked the intensity and flair Tuchel had promised when he took the reins from Gareth Southgate. The German acknowledged post-match that his side “slowed down too much” after the break, though he praised their attitude and the “late acceleration” that secured the win. “We needed the free-kick to unlock it,” Tuchel told ITV. “I’m happy with the energy and desire, but we have work to do.”
Standout performers included James, whose return to form will delight both club and country, and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who impressed on his first England start with his directness and energy on the wing. Declan Rice also shone, anchoring the midfield and providing the assist for Kane’s goal, while Eze’s cameo off the bench offered a glimpse of his potential.
For Latvia, the night was a lesson in resilience. Nicolato expressed pride in his team’s effort, noting, “We did well in the first part and tried to play football when we had the ball. Against a side like England, it’s a big challenge, but I’m proud of the performance.” Despite the defeat, Latvia’s defensive resolve kept the scoreline respectable until the final 20 minutes.
England’s victory ensures they sit atop Group K with maximum points from their opening two matches, following Friday’s 2-0 win over Albania. However, with tougher tests looming in the qualifying campaign, Tuchel will know that more is needed to transform this side into the high-intensity, exciting outfit he envisions. For now, though, the Three Lions march on, with their World Cup dreams firmly intact.