England did not shine, but it won. Faced with a grouped and limited Latvia, the Three Lions took time to force the lock, before Reece James came to unlock a free kick jewel. A flash in a cloudless sky for an English team that is not very inspired by but far too above.
It was not until the 38th minute that the superiority resulted in the display board. So far, Wembley sighed in front of lateral passes and races in a vacuum. Latvia had even almost created surprise, taking advantage of a misunderstanding between Guehi and Pickford that Gutkovskis could not punish. But when James caressed the ball to send it to the skylight, the match changed tone. The right side celebrated his return there after more than two years of absence in selection, and the most beautiful ways.
The second act has not changed anything. Tuchel saw his men master without genius, before a rapid one between Rice and Rogers offered Harry Kane an easy goal (68th). The captain, so far discreet, made his flair of a scorer speak.
A formality well executed for England
The third goal, signed Eze (75th), ended an already folded match. Having entered the game, the Crystal Palace player took advantage of a favorable counter to deceive a heroic Latvian goalkeeper so far.
England therefore continues a second victory in two games in its qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup. A perfect departure for Tuchel, which slowly prints its paw. But faced with so little threatening opponents, difficult to draw solid conclusions.
Neutral observers will especially remember that England is not yet impressive. Effective, yes. But not yet dominating. An observation that could quickly evolve, as the pool remains rich. See you in June, to see if this new generation England is something other than a well-oiled mechanics against small teams.
