Thomas Tuchel celebrates his second consecutive win as England continues their successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
The match at Wembley saw a lively start, with Latvia missing an early scoring opportunity due to a defensive error by England. However, in the 38th minute, James broke the deadlock with a powerful strike from 25 yards.
After halftime, Harry Kane extended England`s lead, tapping in a low cross from Declan Rice with about 20 minutes remaining.
Eberechi Eze, coming off the bench, sealed the victory seven minutes later, skillfully maneuvering into the penalty area and firing a shot past the Latvian goalkeeper, securing three points and England`s position at the top of their group.
Boss gives overview of performance
Speaking with ITV Sport after the game, the England manager shared his thoughts on tonight`s match.
Missed opportunity for Villa man
Marcus Rashford entered this match with high spirits, aiming to revitalize his career during his loan at Villa Park.
Despite being actively involved and seeing a lot of the ball, Rashford`s performance was underwhelming.
Something still seems to be lacking; perhaps more than a brief spell in Birmingham is needed to resolve it.
Fortunately, Rashford won`t have to walk home tonight, as his crossing ability on the field was clearly not up to par.
FT: England 3-0 Latvia
Looking at the final score, the result can be considered a job well done.
However, for much of the game, Tuchel`s team struggled to penetrate a Latvian defense that was heavily compact.
James`s excellent free-kick opened the scoring, and two second-half goals added further emphasis to England`s performance.
FT: England 3-0 Latvia
The referee has ended the match.
Another victory for Thomas Tuchel`s England squad.
Latvia provided minimal resistance throughout the evening.
View from SunSport`s Dan King at Wembley
At times, the crowd seemed more captivated by paper airplanes and Mexican waves.
However, as Latvia`s players fatigued, England managed to offer more engaging moments.
Besides goals from Kane and Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers missed a clear chance and had another attempt excellently saved.
Rashford put in considerable effort, but nothing quite clicked for him.
Tuchel expressed frustration that his team didn`t convert more opportunities into goals. Nevertheless, job done.
England 3-0 Latvia
90+2. Sits is called for a push on Konsa.
He`s covered a lot of ground in this half.
Ironically, Wembley resembles a venue where the fire alarm has gone off, with more empty seats than occupied ones now.
England 3-0 Latvia
90. Foden has an opportunity to deliver a late corner into the box.
The delivery is poor, barely lifting off the ground and easily cleared by the visitors at the near post.
Three minutes of added time will be played.
England 3-0 Latvia
88. That was a terrible miss from the Palace defender.
One standout performer in this match, despite only entering as a substitute, is Eberechi Eze.
Latvia has struggled to handle his speed, skill, and determination to create opportunities.
England 3-0 Latvia
86. England takes a short free-kick.
The ball is passed to Eze, who delivers a perfect cross into the center of the goal area.
Guehi has a completely open header but inexplicably directs it wide of the goal.
England 3-0 Latvia
84. It sounds like someone has finally put some money in the bugle player.
Bringing a bugle to a football match always seems unusual.
When leaving home, one checks for essentials: wallet, phone, brass instruments… check.
England 3-0 Latvia
82. One could be forgiven for thinking football is no longer a physical sport.
Konsa`s reaction when Gutkovskis challenged him physically was quite dramatic.
It`s almost as if modern footballers are taken aback when opponents try to play physically.
As Roy Keane might say… babies!
England 3-0 Latvia
80. Latvian players are showing signs of fatigue.
England could really capitalize on this in the remaining minutes.
The visitors had done well to maintain a respectable scoreline for a significant portion of the game.
England 3-0 Latvia
78. Tuchel seems ready to make more substitutions.
Henderson, Jones, and Walker are prepared to enter the game.
They are replacing Rice, Rashford, and Lewis-Skelly.
England 3-0 Latvia
76. Eze has injected a fresh dynamic into the game.
Receiving the ball wide in the box, he skillfully maneuvered past his marker.
The Palace winger cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a shot that found its way past the Latvian goalkeeper.
It took a slight deflection en route, but it would be unfair to deny him the goal.
Goal – Eberechi Eze (England)
England 2-0 Latvia
74. England nearly caught Latvia on a counter-attack.
Rashford couldn`t quite coordinate his feet to deliver a quick first-time pass to Foden, who was in open space.
He ended up back-heeling it towards Kane, but his attempted cross was intercepted.
England 2-0 Latvia
72. Latvia earns their second corner of the match.
As the ball is crossed in, Konsa heads it away.
The visitors attempt a long-range shot, but it is effectively blocked.
View from SunSport`s Dan King at Wembley
There have been quite a few paper planes in the second half, which is usually not a positive indicator.
Thomas Tuchel doesn`t seem pleased, sitting in the dugout with a frown like a character from Dickens.
How Jude Bellingham hasn`t been sent off is surprising.
Already cautioned for a foul deserving of an orange card in the first half, he just committed an unnecessary scissor tackle on Raivis Jurkovskis.
This isn`t exactly what Tuchel meant when he spoke about wanting Bellingham to manage his emotions.
It`s a bit surprising he wasn`t substituted earlier, although he did set up Kane for a chance he usually converts.
Phil Foden has now replaced Bellingham, with an opportunity to redeem himself after Friday`s game. Kane scores immediately.
England 2-0 Latvia
70. The goal was met with subdued cheers from the Wembley crowd.
Even those who chose to attend tonight`s game seem somewhat detached.
The attack has looked more threatening since Eze`s introduction on the left wing.
England 2-0 Latvia
68. Rogers sees Rice making a run into the box and passes to him.
The Arsenal midfielder immediately passes it across, and Kane has a simple tap-in to score.
Latvia needs to prevent a further collapse now.
Goal – Harry Kane (England)
England 1-0 Latvia
66. International football often lacks the thrill and intensity of the Premier League.
Everything appears somewhat artificial and slow-paced.
These international breaks offer fans an opportunity to get on good terms with their partners, go shopping, and secure permission for when real football resumes.
England 1-0 Latvia
64. A significant opportunity for England to double their advantage.
Rogers passes to Kane outside the box, who shifts it to his left foot with a clear view of the goal.
He attempts to curl it into the far corner, but it narrowly misses.
England 1-0 Latvia
62. Eze makes an instant impact on the game.
He attacks the Latvian defense, cuts onto his right foot, and delivers an excellent forward ball to Rogers.
The Latvian defender intercepts his run and concedes a corner.
Rashford could learn from Eze`s immediate contribution after coming on.
England 1-0 Latvia
60. Rashford faces his defender and reaches the byline.
Again, the quality of his cross is poor, and it`s collected by the goalkeeper.
That marks his fourteenth cross in this match, with very few finding their intended target.
Bowen is substituted off for the hosts, replaced by Eze.
