Harry Kane scored twice as England cruised to a 5-0 win over Latvia, sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup in emphatic style. Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze were also on target as Thomas Tuchel’s side maintained their perfect qualifying record with another dominant performance in Riga.
England unstoppable as Kane leads the charge
England made light work of Latvia in Riga, with captain Harry Kane once again at the heart of the action as the Three Lions sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker, back from an ankle injury, delivered a masterclass in finishing — scoring twice before half-time to move to 76 international goals and set yet another England record.
The night began brightly for Anthony Gordon, who opened the scoring midway through the first half with a precise finish after latching onto John Stones’ perfectly weighted pass. The Newcastle United winger was electric on the left flank, cutting inside with confidence and troubling Latvia’s backline throughout.
Moments later, Kane took centre stage. His first goal came from a curling left-footed strike from outside the box after relentless pressing from Bukayo Saka, before he converted from the penalty spot just minutes later — a reward for being pulled down in the area by Latvia’s captain, Antonijs Cernomordijs.
Three Lions showing swagger under Tuchel
While England could have eased off after their dominant first half, Thomas Tuchel’s men kept pushing. A comical own goal from Latvia’s Maksims Tonisevs, who turned Djed Spence’s wayward cross into his own net, added a fourth. Then, substitute Eberechi Eze capped off the night with a classy finish to make it 5-0, sealing a near-perfect evening for the visitors.
Tuchel’s tactical influence is now unmistakable. Since taking over, he has introduced a fluid, high-pressing style that allows England to dominate possession and transition quickly in attack. The manager’s rotation choices have also paid off — with players like Elliot Anderson, Ezri Konsa, and Spence seamlessly fitting into the system.
We’re improving every game, Tuchel said after the win. The players are responding to the ideas, and we’re building something special for the World Cup.
Kane’s record-breaking brilliance
Kane’s brace in Riga means he has now scored more than once in 13 international matches, a new record for an England player. The captain’s consistency and leadership continue to define this era of English football, and his partnership with Saka and Gordon looked particularly sharp throughout the match.
It’s always an honour to score for my country, Kane told reporters post-match. We’re building confidence and momentum. Now it’s about carrying this energy into the World Cup.
Eze, Gordon and England’s bright future
The win also highlighted England’s depth. Eze’s late strike and Gordon’s dynamic first-half display underscored Tuchel’s success in integrating younger players without losing balance or experience. The Three Lions remain unbeaten and unbreached in qualifying — the only UEFA side with a perfect defensive record.
As they look ahead to the World Cup in North America, England’s blend of experience, youth, and tactical flexibility makes them one of the tournament’s most exciting contenders.
For Tuchel, Kane, and a new generation of stars like Gordon and Eze — this is a statement: England are not just qualifying. They’re arriving with intent.
