Thomas Tuchel claimed his second successive victory as England’s head coach, leading his side to a 3-0 win over Latvia in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley. Despite the comfortable scoreline, it was a challenging evening for England as they struggled to convert their dominance into goals until late in the game.
James shines on return to England line-up
Chelsea captain Reece James marked his first England start since 2022 with an impressive performance, highlighted by a brilliant free-kick that opened the scoring in the 38th minute. The defender’s strike curled past the Latvian goalkeeper from 20 yards, easing the growing frustration among the England supporters.
Tuchel’s faith in James, a player he worked closely with during his time at Chelsea, was well-rewarded. Despite a series of injuries, the 25-year-old displayed his trademark strength and technique. His authoritative presence on the field further solidified his claim for the starting right-back position.
England overcomes stubborn Latvian defense
Latvia, ranked 140th in the world, adopted a defensive approach similar to Albania’s strategy in England’s previous qualifier. The visitors’ resilience kept the hosts at bay for much of the match, with England struggling to break through their low block.
After a period of frustration, captain Harry Kane eventually doubled England’s lead in the 68th minute, converting a cross from Declan Rice. The goal marked Kane’s 71st international strike in 105 appearances, further cementing his legacy as one of England’s most prolific scorers.
Eberechi Eze completed the scoring in the 76th minute, netting his first international goal with a deflected effort. The Crystal Palace midfielder’s impact from the bench demonstrated Tuchel’s growing squad depth.
Progress under Tuchel
While Tuchel has overseen two wins and two clean sheets in his first competitive matches, the German coach will be keenly aware of areas requiring improvement. England’s reliance on crosses and a lack of incisive movement in attacking areas highlighted challenges that will need addressing.
Maintaining a strong defensive record and maximizing the talents of key players like James and Kane will be crucial as Tuchel pursues his ultimate goal of leading England to World Cup glory in 2026. The six-point haul from their opening games provides a solid foundation, but sterner tests await on the road ahead.
